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PQMONTHLY.COM Vol. 2 No. 10 Oct.-Nov. 2013
RIKI WILCHINS: A QUEER TITAN LOOKS BACK • YOUR HALLOWEEN TO-BOO LIST • DEFUNKT’S ‘THE SUBMISSION’ TACKLES RACE & HOMOPHOBIA • SHORTY SHORTS WILL HAUNT YOU
2 • October-November 2013
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PQ TEAM Melanie Davis
Owner/Publisher melanie@pqmonthly.com
Gabriela Kandziora
Director of Business Development
gabriela@pqmonthly.com
julie cortez
Editor-in-Chief julie@pqmonthly.com
chris alvarez
Art Director chris@pqmonthly.com
editorial TEAM daniel borgen
Calendar Editor, Column Editor daniel@pqmonthly.com
nick mattos
Founding Staff Writer, Social Media Manager nick@pqmonthly.com
SALES TEAM larry lewis
Sales Representative larry@pqmonthly.com
lynda Wilkinson Sales Representative lynda@pqmonthly.com
Jonathan Reitan
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National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com
photographers jules garza
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Photos by Jules Garza, Izzy Ventura, Erin Rook, Melanie Davis, Christopher Alvarez, PQ Monthly
Editor-in-chief Julie Cortez is finishing up work with PQ Monthly and El Hispanic News this month before moving to Ashland for a job with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
SO LONG, AND THANKS FOR ALL THE LOVE I stare blankly at a blank page and blinking cursor. A handful of lyrics to Boyz II Men’s “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” are doing laps in my brain. (Note to self: Think of a cooler song and claim that was what was running through your head when you write this down. And please resist the urge to make a “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” reference in your headline. No need to go full nerd in your farewell address.) Oops. Oh well, I’ve never been very good at not being me. I often admonish myself for laughing too loudly and smiling too widely, for telling too many dirty jokes, for eating and drinking with a bit too much gusto, for continuously outing myself as a know-it-all, and for my tendency to dress like I’m prepared for a day of housecleaning and light jogging. Tone it down and class it up, lady. No one makes passes at girls who crack jokes about bodily gasses. I’ve gotten better at embracing my inevitable me-ness as I’ve aged (notice I didn’t say “matured”), but one personality trait I’ve been struggling mightily with lately is my resistance to change and complication. I’d totally marry my great loves Stability and Comfort if I weren’t so deathly afraid of the complexities polyandry would bring to my life. Yet, here I am, about to pick up and move to a new town and a new job (Ashland, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival) after 16 years in Portland, nearly 13 years with El Hispanic News, and almost two with PQ Monthly. When our owner/publisher Melanie Davis came to me with the idea of launching a second paper, I resisted that change, too, but boy am I glad she didn’t take my “hell no” to heart. My consciousness and my circle of friends have expanded at a dizzying pace, and I’m certain a little time and distance will only further reveal to me just how ridiculously enriched my life has been by these last two years. To our community: thank you for your passion, resilience, and willingness to educate and embrace me. To my PQ family: thank you for sharing your talent and your dedication, and for your warmth and support during trying times. I love you. All my best, Julie Cortez, Editor-in-Chief
A SMATTERING OF WHAT YOU’LL FIND INSIDE:
ON THE COVER
Time to ‘Kiss and Tell’ at Gay and Grey’s fifth annual expo............................ page 6 Brian Wilson sets eye on Multnomah County board....................................... page 9
izzy ventura
Staff Photographer izzy@pqmonthly.com
Hip Chicks bend a few traditions and come up with creative wines............ page 10
media
Riki Wilchins: A queer titan looks back............................................................. page 13
Sammi Rivera
Opinion: Boycott ‘Ender’s Game’...................................................................... page 14
503.228.3139
Your annual Halloween To-Boo list.................................................................... page 22
Director of Video Productions
Margaret Cho: ‘Jesus is such a power bottom’................................................ page 25
proudqueer.com
Their Shorty Shorts will haunt you....................................................................... page 26 defunkt tackles race and homophobia in ‘The Submission’........................... page 28
The National Advertising Representative of PQ Monthly IS Rivendell Media, Inc. Brilliant Media LLC, DBA El Hispanic NEws & PQ Monthly.
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“I t h i n k Jesu s i s a ver y good teacher,” Margaret Cho says. “Really, he’s such a power bottom! Jesus was all about taking other people’s pain and absorbing it, and making himself stronger because of it.” Read more on page 25.
Columns: Pretty & Witty & Gay; The Comeback Kid; ID Check; Everything is Connected; Whiskey & Sympathy; Cultivating Life; and Eat, Drink, and Be Mary. Plus Get Out! Calendar, Astroscopes, Queer Aperture… and more! (Note: The Lady Chronicles is enjoying a one-month hiatus and will return next month with tales from Palm Springs Pride.)
Cover photo by Austin Young October-November 2013 • 3
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NEWS BRIEFS
Anderson Cooper will speak at Portland State University on Oct. 22; Antoinette Edwards (center left), seen here at Multnomah County’s 2012 National Coming Out Day gathering with Jefferson High senior D’Marcus Warrick-McPherson and Commissioner Loretta Smith, is being honored with SJF’s Jeannette Rankin Award; Joe Bell, father of the late Jadin Bell, was killed during a cross-country trek to raise awareness about the kind of anti-gay bullying that led to his son’s suicide.
LOCAL Joe Bell of La Grande, Ore., whose son Jadin committed suicide last year after being bullied for being gay, was struck and killed by a truck on Oct. 10 in Colorado while on “Joe’s Walk for Change,” a cross-country trip to honor his son and raise awareness about the devastating effects of bullying. “Joe’s mission was one of love that was bigger than he was (and bigger than any one organization),” reads a statement on the website for Faces For Change, an organization launched by Jadin’s family and friends after his suicide. “His purpose was — and always will be — to ensure that the choices faced by his son Jadin will never be visited upon another young person.” Donations for the Bell family and the organization are currently being accepted at facesforchange.com. According to Oregon United for Marriage, the Portland Thorns, Timbers, and Trail Blazers have “made history by becoming the first major pro sports teams ever to endorse a campaign for the freedom to marry.” OU4M announced Oct. 11 that Merritt Paulson and his two soccer clubs, the Timbers and Thorns, had endorsed the Freedom to Marry and Religious Protection Initiative, an attempt to overturn Oregon’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. “We are proud to support Oregon United for Marriage and its efforts to secure the freedom to marry for all Oregonians next November,” Paulson said in a release. Timbers/Thorns COO Mike Golub added in a video message: “We believe it’s time for Oregon to recognize this fundamental right. And we hope you will join us at the Timbers and Thorns, and affirm this right to marry at the ballot next November.” The announcement prompted Portland Mercury writer Denis C. Theriault to call on the Trail Blazers basketball team to make a similar announcement. Theriault received the following emailed response from Michael Lewellen, Blazers’ VP for communications: “The Portland Trail Blazers are in support of the Freedom to Marry and Religious Protection ballot initiative. We do so as believers in individual choice as a fundamental right of all people.” Oregon company Columbia Sportswear and its CEO Tim Boyle also endorsed marriage equality this month, as did the Oregon Business Association. Social Justice Fund Northwest has selected Antoinette Edwards, co-founder of PFLAG Portland Black Chapter and Thomas Jefferson High School’s first gay-straight alliance, to receive their 2013 Jeannette Rankin Award, an annual honor given to a lifelong activist serving the region that includes Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Washington, and Oregon. Edwards will receive the award at SJF’s annual dinner celebration in Seattle on Oct. 19. For more information, visit socialjusticefund.org. Back in the news yet again this month is Se-ah-dom Edmo, who received the 2013 Fighting Spirit Award at Basic Right’s Oregon’s Ignite! Gala on Oct. 11. Edmo, coordinator at the Indigenous Ways of Knowing Program at pqmonthly.com
Lewis & Clark College, led the effort to create a “Tribal Equity Toolkit” to garner support for Two Spirit and LGBTQ justice within Native communities. According to a BRO press release, the award celebrates Edmo’s “phenomenal work linking together the racial justice movement and with the movement to advance equality for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.”
events of our time, and is still doing it. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our community.” At the event, PSU alumnus Bill Stoller will receive the Simon Benson Award for Alumni Achievement; alumnus Rick Miller and his wife, Erika, will be honored with the Simon Benson Award for Philanthropy. For more information, visit pdx.edu/ giving/simon-benson-awards-dinner.
Queer youth will benefit from two recent developments at opposite ends of the state. The new Portland GSA Youth Chorus — open to gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans*, queer, questioning, intersex, and allied youth — hosted a kick-off celebration Sept. 29, and is now holding weekly rehearsals. For information on performances and rehearsals, go to facebook.com/PortlandGSAYouthChorus or email PdxYouthChorus@gmail.com. Down in Medford, the Lotus Rising Project, a social justice organization for LGBT youth ages 14-24, opened its first office and community center after a decade of operating out of individual homes. The project held an open house on Oct. 10 at its new space in Medford’s Woolworth Building. For more information visit lotusrisingproject.org.
Basic Rights Oregon will host the 2013 Trans Justice Summit Nov. 9, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., at Portland State University’s Native American Student and Community Center. The summit seeks to develop trans leaders and help strengthen the trans justice movement. According to BRO, the summit is free but space is limited and priority will be given to those “who identify as trans women, trans people of color, trans youth, and those at the intersections of these identities.” Contact Adrian Martínez at adrian@basicrights.org to inquire about registering for the summit.
The country celebrated National Coming Out Day Oct. 11, but Multnomah County got the party started a little early by releasing its official Coming Out Day Proclamation on Oct. 10. Speakers at the event marking the proclamation included Multnomah County Chief Diversity and Equity Officer Daryl Dixon, Basic Rights Oregon Racial Justice organizer and PFLAG Black Portland Chapter organizer Khalil Edwards, Q Center Executive Director Barbara McCullough-Jones, Multnomah County Prism-Employee Resource Group Chair Liz Rodríguez, PFLAG Portland Black Chapter members Lakeitha Elliot and Monica Fields-Fears, Monica Noe of PSU’s Queer Resource Center, and David Ben, Two Spirit advocate on the Confederated Tribes Of Siletz Indians Two Spirit Change Team. Have you made plans to compete in or cheer on the 2014 Gay Games in Aug, 9-16 in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio? Once you do, get ready to start saving up those frequent flyer miles again, because Paris (the one in France) won the bid to host the 2018 games, the Federation of Gay Games announced this month. In the meantime, scholarship applications for the 2014 games are being accepted through Oct. 31. For information on the Gay Games and to apply for a scholarship to participate, visit gaygames.org. News anchor/silver fox Anderson Cooper will fill in for an injured Tom Brokaw as the “distinguished guest speaker” Oct. 22 at Portland State University’s 14th annual Simon Benson Awards Dinner, a gala to honor alumni and philanthropists. Brokaw said in a statement that he had “developed a painful, complicated back condition.” PSU President Wim Wiewel lamented Brokaw’s injury, but hailed Cooper as “a guy that has been around the world, lived through some of the most significant
NATIONAL Rep. Raúl Labrador (R-ID) introduced the “Marriage and Religious Freedom Act” (H.R.3133) on Sept. 19. With 82 co-sponsors — of which at least two are Democrats —, the bill is summarized by the Congressional Research Service as prohibiting “the federal government from taking an adverse action against a person on the basis that: (1) such person acts in accordance with a religious belief that marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman, or (2) sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage.” Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, and Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, voiced strong support for the bill in a press release on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops website. “In a growing climate of intolerance against individuals and organizations who believe that marriage is the union of one man and one woman, this act is an important step in preserving their religious liberties at the federal level,” Lori said. Heather Cronk, co-director of GetEQUAL, calls the bill “a political stunt, pure and simple.… As a seminary graduate, I would fight tooth and nail for religious liberty and I firmly maintain that religious liberty is a cornerstone of American democracy; however, this bill isn’t about religious freedom. This bill is about falsely positioning discriminatory companies as victims.” Harvey Milk’s son, Stuart Milk, announced on Facebook Oct. 10 that his father will be immortalized on a United States Postal Service “Forever Stamp” in 2014. Mark Saunders, USPS senior public relations representative, confirmed the decision in an email reply to PQ Monthly. “We will preview the stamp image at a later date along with information on when the stamp dedication will take place,” Saunders wrote. October-November 2013 • 5
NEWS
Time to ‘Kiss and Tell’ AT Gay and Grey’s fifth annual expo
Gay and Grey attendees enjoy a wide variety of activities every year, from financial planning to dancing to Rose Court performances; organizers at Friendly House have provided a range of services for LGBT older adults for over a decade. By Daniel Borgen
while advocating for a fair and inclusive future. This year’s keynote speaker is Linda Campbell, a retired air force colonel. “Linda was the first in the nation to be granted permission for her Considering how quick our chatty community is to talk about same-sex partner to be buried with her in a military cemetery,” says any number of subjects, there’s one that’s far too rarely in the head- Vaune Albanese, Friendly House director. “She fought for the right lines and on our lips. We shy away from it, put it on the backburner to have Nancy Lynchilds, the love of her life, buried at Willamette (or take it out of the house), and pretend it isn’t happening to each National Cemetery. Linda has an amazing story to tell.” of us every single day. Just as the mighty Columbia will always sepaThe expo will also feature an interactive vendor hall, providing rate Portland from Vancouver, so too will we age — with every pass- attendees with access to a wide range of agencies and businesses ing day and breath. committed to improving the lives of LGBTQ older adults and seniors. It’s something that’s come up often lately among my circle of friends Vendors will include housing providers, legal advisers, and pet — around the brunch table, during happy hour, you name it. Since a adoption services, to name a few. But Gay and Grey isn’t just inforgreat many of us are choosing to slog through life without children — mative, it’s inspiring and entertaining; there’s a “speed-friending” perhaps with just our partner or our pet — there’s a very real concern breakout session, food and wine demonstrations, chair massages, beauty makeover stations, food, music, and dancing. While “Kiss and Tell” is merely a one-day event, this important work is carried on throughout the year by SAGE Metro Portland and Friendly House. SAGE’s focus is programs, activities, and advocacy. Friendly House, a nonprofit neighborhood center and social service agency, has been around since 1930. It focuses on children’s programs, community recreation and education, and community services, providing its programs and services at no charge — or on a sliding scale — to ensure access to all members of the community. Sage (Services & Advocacy for LGBT elders) is the world’s oldest and largest nonprofit agency dedicated to serving LGBT older adults. Leading up to last year’s expo, PQ cited some starabout what, precisely, will happen to us when we’re older. So far the tling statistics. Experts estimate 10,000 LGTBQ seniors live in Portbest we’ve come up with is a group commune in the Australian out- land alone. National estimates place that population around 3 milback. Thankfully, we have the dedicated professionals at SAGE Metro, lion, and that number is expected to eclipse 5 million within the who’ve done the majority of the legwork for us. decade. Add the 4,000 people turning 65 every year, and the culminaTo address those queries is at least in part why SAGE puts on the tion sort of boggles the mind. It’s probably fair to assume the average Gay and Grey Expo — this year dubbed “Kiss and Tell.” Now in its person hasn’t taken the time to think about what that really means. fifth year, Gay and Grey is an annual dynamic outreach event for In short, it means “Kiss and Tell” is timely and vital. It means our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) older adults and community should rally around and support SAGE and Friendly allies, and this year the expo aims to celebrate the rapid shifts in House. And it definitely means it’s time to tackle the much-maligned, our collective queer history, like the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” much-ignored, taboo subject of aging. And perhaps take in a docand the marriage equality movement in Oregon. umentary — we recommend “Gen Silent” or “Before You Know It.” Gay and Grey means business: as baby boomers reach retirement age, an estimated 12 LGBTQ adults throughout Oregon will turn 65 Expect to see the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court in attendance. Sponeach day for the next 18 years. That’s more than 4,000 people per year. sors include Cedar Sinai, Northwest Neighborhood Veterinary HospiThe annual event builds community among older adults, allies, and tal, and New Seasons. Admission is $5-$10 — sliding scale — but no activists and celebrates the achievements of LGBT older adults, all the one will be turned away for lack of funds.
EXPO SCHEDULE:
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6 • October-November 2013
9:30 a.m. - Doors open 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. “Let’s Make it Legal!”: Marriage Equality 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. “Love in the Afternoon”: Sex After 60 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Lunch 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Speakers/Keynote (Brad Avakian/Linda Campbell) 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. “Love and Other Strangers”: Speed Friending 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. “Strictly Ballroom”: OUT Dancing 3:15 p.m. - 4 p.m. Imperial Sovereign Rose Court: Performance
Other activities throughout the day: “Network”: (Ballroom) - An interactive vendor hall featuring local businesses and organizations ranging from pet adoption to financial planning. All vendors attended a mini-training prior to their participation intended to enhance their knowledge of the strengths and challenges of LGBT older adults. “The Road to Wellville”: (Office/ Coat Check Room) - Health & Wellness Screenings “Some Like it Hot”: (Fireside Room) - Sign up early to receive a free, 15 minute chair massage from licensed massage therapists from Dragon Tree Spa. “Kiss and Make Up”: (Ballroom/Vendor Hall) - Make up application instruction, make overs/unders. “Eat, Drink, Man, Woman”: (Kitchen) - Cooking demonstrations from Food Front and New Seasons: Learn new, low cost, easy ways to eat healthy. “Tastings”: (Foyer) - Morning “mock” tails and tasty snacks turn into afternoon libations and indulgent chocolate tastings. pqmonthly.com
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October-November 2013 • 7
NEWS
8 • October-November 2013
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NEWS NEWS
Gay candidate Brian Wilson sets eye on county board chaired the Charter Review Committee in 2009. He also chaired the political action committee devoted to passing last May and November’s library levies. “I [am proud of ] the work for the library, but not just because I love books and libraries and what they stand for,” he explains. “There was a funding issue — there were flaws on the county level. In fixing these issues, [the levies] had ancillary benefits for the county itself as well as the library.” “I believe that everyone in our community has value and should be treated with respect and dignity,” Wilson says of his ethos as a leader. “I am not a career politician and would like to participate in the service to our community so that more people can get out of poverty, more children and seniors are protected from illness and scams, and so that every resident in Multnomah County has access to the basic services they need.” If elected, Wilson intends to pay specific attention to Multnomah County’s mental health system. “Mental health services are at the crossroads of all the other major impacts we see to the social service system,” he notes. “The fact is that I don’t think anyone in Multnomah County thinks “I’ve had support from a wide variety of people, not just the gay community,” says Multnomah County Board of Commissioners candidate Brian Wilson. “I hope I do have the support of the gay commu- the mental health system is working properly as it is. There are some amazingly good people nity, and I’ll do what I can to earn it.” working for Multnomah County in the field of mental health, certainly, but we can definitely By Nick Mattos do a better job. If a commissioner wants to focus PQ Monthly on that as something of importance to the community, I feel that it will bring good things to bear.” Openly gay financial consultant Brian Wilson has announced his bid for a seat on the While Wilson makes no secret of his orientation, he feels that his sexual identity is Multnomah County Board of Commissioners. secondary to his proven track record of leadership and vision for Multnomah County. “I’ve been considering this for a number of years,” says the first-time political candi- “I’m not running to be a gay candidate; I’m running for a lot of reasons, but also just date. “I’ve been working and volunteering for the county for a number of years in many happen to be gay,” he explains. “I think our community doesn’t necessarily think capacities, and I would like to bring my skills and experience to the of that as a mark of distinction any longer, as role of Multnomah county commissioner.” we’ve come a long way in Multnomah County. Wilson, a consultant with Intrepid Expeditions, LLC, joins RepreI think it’s great that I can run in a contest like sentative Jules Bailey (D-Portland) in the run for Deborah Kafoury’s this as an openly gay man, and I hope it won’t seat. As the board’s rules dictate that commissioners must vacate impact my run negatively.” their seat immediately if they file for another political office, Wilson Ultimately, Wilson values the support of the and Bailey could not officially file for candidacy until Kafoury vacated queer community along with his numerous her seat in a bid for Jeff Cogen’s relinquished office of chairperson. other backers in Multnomah County. “I’ve had In preparation, though, both Wilson and Bailey formed political support from a wide range of people, not just the action committees — and once Kafoury resigns as promised on Oct. gay community,” he notes. “Just about everyone 18, the race will be on. I talk to thinks it’s great that people are running for office that are interesting, qualified, Wilson served on the Portland Housing Advisory Commission from 2010 until this last and bring skills to the table. I hope I do have the support of the gay community, and I’ll summer, was a member of the task force that helmed the Sellwood Bridge renovation, and do what I can to earn it.”
“Just about everyone I talk to thinks it’s great that people are running for office that are interesting, qualified, and bring skills to the table.”
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October-November 2013 • 9
NEWS FEATURES FEATURES NEWS
Hip Chicks bend a few traditions and come up with creative wines Richard Jones
ness of the region’s remarkable potential. Cooperation benefits all. As of early October some promising grapes had come to the winery, but others were still hanging on the vines. The weather for the remainder of the month will determine if 2013 will go down as a great vintage — or something less. If you see someone with fingernails chewed to the nub, that person, my friends, is likely to be a winemaker.
PQ Monthly
If “Hip Chicks Do Wine” strikes you as an unusual name for a winery, consider this: Laurie Lewis and Renee Neely have created some unusual wines since launching a one of a kind venture in Southeast Portland in 1999. When Lewis arrived in Portland, she recalls, “Renee introduced me to wines.” It was not that Lewis had not Tasting notes sampled some very good wines made in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but If you were to sample some of Hip when Lewis tasted some outstandChicks’ red wines blind, you might ing Oregon pinot noirs, she wanted assume they came from a prestigious to learn to make world-class wines. estate in northeastern Italy. The wines “Wine is supposed to be fun,” show a tanginess that moderates Lewis says. After all it is just a beveroverwhelming fruitiness. Nor do Hip age; but, it can be more than fun. A Chicks make any of the hyper-macho good wine can be an emotional expewines that prevail in some regions. rience, she explains. Although drinkable now, most Hip To satisfy their curiosity, Lewis and Neely took a few wine appreciation Photos by Richard Jones and Jules Garza, PQ Monthly Chicks red wines could likely develop classes through Portland Commu- “Wine Goddess” Laurie Lewis and “Wine Maven” Renee Neely both began their love affair with Bacchus by sampling mass produced “fun wines.” As their apprecia- nicely for five to 10 years from the vintage. nity College. That only spurred them tion grew, both discovered the subtle beauty of fine wines. Hip Chicks Do Wine 2009 Pinot to sign up for some viticultural classes Noir (Oregon). Made from fruit grown at Chemekata College. In 1999 Lewis and Neely filled out bushels of federal The complexities of vineyard management over- forms to open Hip Chicks. At that time scores of like- near Canby, this wine has restrained cherry fruit and French whelmed them. “We decided we weren’t farmers,” Lewis minded people opened other wineries in Oregon. Most of oak. Light tannins lend some backbone, without overmuses. That allowed them to specialize in winemaking. them, she says, “wanted to make quality [wines] as good whelming the wine. At this stage the crisp acidity makes it just right for chicken accented with subtle herbs. A well“We decided to take one job and be the best that we could.” as they could.” The pair soon learned that Oregon’s climate held several And that, Lewis points out, is difficult. Pinot noir, Oregon’s aged Gruyère should also make an excellent pairing. As the surprises. If April turns too wet or too cold, the buds will not premier grape, is a bit more finicky than the others. “We want wine ages over the next four to six years, you can add beef set sufficient fruit. If the summer is too cool, the grapes will the true character of the fruit,” which, she believes, means to list of ideal mates. Tasted December 2012. Hip Chicks Do Wine 2007 Syrah (Airport Ranch Vinenot ripen well. If October becomes too wet, the rain will avoiding the latest chemical additives, manipulative tricks yard, Washington). Ripe fruit yields a round fairly soft texdilute the flavor of the grapes. The life of a vintner can gen- to extract deeper color, and assorted gizmos. erate a mania for checking thermometers and rain gauges. “We don’t want to overdo the oak,” Lewis insists. She ture and a touch of smoky character to this wine. With six To even out the odds, Lewis and Neely buy fruit from avoids this by not using new French oak barrels. And if her years to soften it up there are no aggressive edges to deal vineyards in several areas — southern Oregon, the Willa- three and four year old barrels don’t quite do the job, she with. Ideal for lusty foods such as pizza or barbecued beef. Tasted October 2013. mette Valley, the Columbia Gorge, and several sites in Wash- can add French oak chips or tubes. Mixed 12-bottle cases earn a 15 percent discount. ington. In the difficult 2007 vintage in the Willamette Valley, “It’s been exciting to watch all the wineries open up they bought fruit from Washington’s Walla Walla Valley here in Portland,” she says. Hip Chicks do Wine where the grapes ripened nicely that year. That also allows With 13 wineries now operating in the city, it made sense 4510 SE 23rd Ave., Portland them to create, from year to year, harmonious blends such to create the Portland Urban Wine Association. “It’s nice to 503-234-3790 as their “Wine Bunny Rouge,” which contain wines from see us come together and support each other,” Lewis says. Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. several regions. A dozen other wines, including a tawny In cases where one needs a piece of equipment or another (except some major holidays) port, provide a wide variety from which to choose. needs filter pads, other winemakers can pitch in to provide Hip Chicks wines are also available in some Fred The ultimate success, Lewis says, is “the magical pairing what others need. of wine and food that makes your heart sing.” Helping each other means helping to build public aware- Meyer, New Seasons and Whole Foods stores in Portland.
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10 • October-November 2013
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FEATURES
Business BRIEFS
Happyrock Coffee Roasting Co. was established in 1999 in historic downtown Gladstone. The name of the roasting company comes from what the locals call the town: Gladstone a.k.a. Happyrock. Lisa Halcom has been the owner and roaster since 2009. Happyrock roasts all beans in small batches, which guarantees consistent quality. “Serving a high-end product while maintaining its friendly small town atmosphere is Happyrock’s goal”, says Halcom. Besides online and in their small historic shop, Happyrock Coffee can also be found in restaurants, at the Oregon City Farmers Market, in grocery stores like Spicer Brothers Produce and Market of Choice, as well as the specialty store “Made In Oregon.” Happyrock has won several awards in Coffee Roasting Championships. In the 2010 “Best Coffee in Oregon Competition” at the Oregon State Fair, Happyrock won the championship with the blend “Storm of the Black Bear” and again in 2011 with the blend “Darkness of Divinity.” In 2012 “Blend No.5” was in the top 16 finalists in the “America’s Best Espresso Competition” at Coffee Fest Seattle. And in 2013 Happyrock’s “Blend No.5” was again named one of the 10 best espresso blends in Oregon at “The Best Coffee in Oregon Championships.” Are you looking for a locally-roasted coffee to become addicted to? Try any of the award-winning blends by ordering Happyrock blends online at HappyrockCoffee.com or visit the shop at 465 Portland Ave., Gladstone.
“Warrior Room” — the name alone is empowering. Ashley Jensen, owner and trainer at the Warrior Room — a kettle bell gym, located at 1928 SE Washington St. in Milwaukie — is “dedicated to bringing affordable, grueling, results-oriented workouts to its clients in a small, personal-group setting.” Jensen is a tall, strong, and fit woman who has a heart of gold, as evidenced by her most recent impressively attended and sponsored event: “Cobras vs Honey Badgers Arm Wrestling Tournament,” benefitting Northwest Housing Alternatives. At the Warrior Room, you can make a difference to your physique and fitness level and also help fund a great charity. Jensen’s goal is to help you get in shape and stay there with individualized attention and safe, expert instruction in the use of kettle bells without the lavish price tag of a big-box private trainer. In addition to kettle bell workouts, there are boot camps, classes for adults and children, and even an organic local private chef who can prepare to-go meals for you to stay on track. Call 503-841-0049 or visit WarriorRoom.org to connect. Grindr-type app for women? Yes, ladies! Come early December 2013 “Wing Ma’am” will be launching their mobile app designed for LGBTQ women. Not only will Wing Ma’am help you find queer women’s events — by genre — in cities you are visiting throughout the world, Wing Ma’am can also help you find Ms. Right — or Ms. Right-Now if you are not yet ready for “forever.” Visionary Ariella Furman, who also produces the insanely popular “Impulse Pittsburgh” (ImpulsePittsburgh.com) parties, became a little envious when her gay male friends so easily met other guys via “Grindr.” Queer women can be hard to find, especially if you are new to a city. It was the immediate accessibility of new friends on the Grindr app that inspired Ariella. “I decided to design something similar for queer women. We used our own funding with a development team to build the app,” Furman says. Wing Ma’am will be able to help you find new friends and tap into queer women’s events happening practically immediately, upon signing up. Just like Obamacare, Wing Ma’am needs YOU to sign up! Go to WingMaam.com to connect.
“Making friends one ca r at a t i me” is how Mitchell Schram operates Stolz Motors, LLC, located at 4545 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland. “One of the simple things I do is listen to my customers. I don’t push customers into purchases; I provide a safe, positive environment to discuss cars, lea r n people’s needs, a nd of fer suggest ions and solutions. I want to build a business where people feel safe, com for table, a nd good about pu rchasing t heir nex t ca r. I support the commu n it y, bot h t he LGBT community and t he Nort he a s t P o r tland community.” If relieving yourself of the big-dealership pressure and creating a long-term friendship with someone who you can come to each time you need to purchase a car, then connecting with Schram is the way to go. Schram can locate a car that fits your needs if you do not see one in the Stolz Motors inventory; think of him as your personal car shopper. Schram left a job in corporate America to be his own boss. “I’ve always liked cars and helping people solve problems. I get great satisfaction out of helping people find the right car at a good price and within their budget.” Since Schram is a mechanical engineer and digs German cars, it seems fitting that he named his business “Stolz Motors”, because “Stolz” means “pride” in German. And, pride is what you will feel driving off in a new car at a price you can afford, purchased from a guy you trust. To check out the inventory, go to StolzMotors.com or email Mitch@StolzMotors.com or call 503-545-7995 for an appointment. Mention PQ Monthly and you will receive a $50 gift certificate after purchasing a vehicle. To be considered for business briefs, contact Gabriela at gabriela@pqmonthly.com.
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Riki Wilchins A queer titan looks back
Activist Riki Wilchins thinks “we may be reaching a point of diminishing returns on identity politics — that is, organizing everything politically by who and what you are.” By Leela Ginelle PQ Monthly
Riki Wilchins may be the most important queer activist and author you’ve never heard of. A genderqueer pioneer, her résumé boasts three books, the co-founding of four landmark organizations, and a lifetime of incisive, often contrarian ideas that have challenged the LGBTQ community’s status quo. Wilchins first made her mark in the early 1990s with The Transsexual Menace, a direct action activist group that mobilized concerned trans people from around the country to hold impromptu vigils in cities and towns where transgender women or men had been murdered in hate crimes. One of their vigils brought attention to the death of Brandon Teena, leading to the documentary “The Brandon Teena Story” and eventually the film “Boys Don’t Cry.” “Transsexual Menace was not planned,” Wilchins says. “It was a reaction to the closeted-ness and invisibility of trans people at that time and the way we were continually getting screwed over by LGB groups, Pride parades, by the Gay Games, and of course every time one of us was fatally attacked. It was a way to show pride, visibility and solidarity — things that were very much missing in the community at that point.” Around this same time, she co-founded Hermaphrodites With Attitude, the Intersex Society of North America’s first action group, in partnership with ISNA’s Executive Director Cheryl Chase. Perhaps Wilchins’ most permanent contribution to the queer protest movement came in her co-founding of Camp Trans, the yearly demonstration held near the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival to protest MWNF’s exclusion of tran women from its grounds. Like Transsexual Menace, Wilchins says the organization was an impromptu affair. “Camp Trans came out of Janis Walworth’s inviting me to present some workshops with her and a couple of friends outside Michigan after Nancy Burkholder was kicked out for being transgender,” she pqmonthly.com
says. “Hundreds of women were walking out to meet with us, and I just thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this could scale.’ And I realized we had a hold of something that could be much, much bigger and really turn up the heat on the issue.” While this history is fascinating and important, much of it remains unwritten. A scan of the web turns up little about these groups, or Wilchins’ contribution to them. She admits to wondering whether her legacy will be remembered. “It does occur to me,” Wilchins says. “Part of the problem is that so much of that happened before the web blew up. When we started InYourFace, the first transgender political newsletter, I had to call activists around the country to find out what was going on in their cities, and it was printed only in hardcopy. Ten years later trans-news zines were everywhere online, and it was all being done by email. And also, the LGBT movement has always had a terrible memory for its own history. And many in the trans leadership never quite forgave me for being inclusive and not totally devoted to trans folks alone.” She recounts an example of this inclusiveness in her incredible (and criminally undervalued) book, “Queer Theory Gender Theory,” in which she applies post-modern philosophical techniques to a critique of the gender binary. In her anecdote, she recalls her time as head of GenderPAC, a lobbying group she helped found that worked in Washington, D.C., to help further legislation that protected the rights of trans and gender-variant people. At the time, she began seeing gender as an issue that affected all people, not just transsexuals — the group many within the organization wanted to focus solely on. The disagreement led to her eventual exit from the lobby. Intellectually restless, Wilchins has always challenged prevailing ideas. In her speech, “A New Kind of Politics,” for example, she argued for “post-identity” politics, in which individuals advocate for rights for all, without limiting their own identities to certain markers, like lesbian or transgender. When I suggested there was a paradox in withholding one’s own identity markers while lobbying for minority rights, she pushed back with trademark wit and passion. “It is entirely possible to fight for issues and not identities,” she says. “For instance, many straight people advocate for marriage equality without being LGBTQ. It’s not about who you present yourself as. It’s about what you believe in. I trust you would agree that I can fight to save the whales, without being a whale myself. “A lot of people misread post-identity politics to mean everyone should give up identities tomorrow,” she continues. “On the contrary, I was trying to focus on issues that might bring us together. I think we may be reaching a point of diminishing returns on identity politics — that is, organizing everything politically by who and what you are. It’s not only beginning to feel worn out and tired, but it’s never worked well for folks who have intersecting identities — and there are a lot of them.” Wilchins continues to share her ideas via her column in The Advocate where, as always, she assails the transphobia that that plagues our culture, the medical crimes committed against intersex infants, and the arbitrariness and artificiality of the gender binary. She often finds inspiration in the young queer community, however. “I think the urge to be fluid and outside of identity boundaries is becoming more widespread among young people,” she says. It’s true, and it’s a way of being she’s helped pioneer.
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Boycott ‘Ender’s Game’ By Konrad Juengling
“Ender’s Game” releases in November. What I’m hoping to see in November are lots of empty theater seats, rather than a rush to the theaters that a lot of media talking heads have predicted. Why the antipathy for a much-lauded book coming to film? Because I am a firm believer in the old adage, “With every dollar you spend you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” The world that I want to live in doesn’t have anything to do with the world Orson Scott Card wrote about in “Ender’s Game.” It’s much, much closer to home and something that would be better for all of us. The kind of world that I want is one where every-
Konrad Juengling one is treated with respect, everyone has the same rights and freedoms, and people respect one another’s decisions. This is not a world that Orson Scott Card wants to be a part of here in “the real world” (or in his book for that matter). Card is on the board of directors of the National Organization for Marriage. NOM is the same organization that the Southern Poverty Law Center has classified as a hate group. The SLPC has been instrumental in public education and legal representation against all sorts of hate groups, including the Ku Klux Klan, white supremacists, neo-Confederates, racist music groups, Holocaust deniers, and many more. These obviously aren’t groups that people with a rational worldview seek out. If you truly respect others, you don’t have any need for affiliations with groups like the KKK, Aryan Nations, or the Westboro Baptist Church. Card, on the other hand, champions the efforts of NOM and believes that “the homosexual agenda” is something to fight. He actively campaigns against marriage equality. He advocates that sodomy laws 14 • October-November 2013
should be kept on the books in America to punish gays. He’s claimed that gay people are self-loathing victims of child abuse. He doesn’t stop there, though, arguing that gay marriage “marks the end of democracy in America,” homosexuality is a “tragic genetic mixup,” and that allowing courts to redefine marriage to include same sex-couples is a slippery slope into gay rule and that anyone who does not agree with gay marriage will be categorized as “mentally ill.” Say what? We can skip the paranoid gay conspiracies Card sees all around. It’s pretty obvious he comes from the “Obama is a shape-shifting alien” camp when it comes to conspiracy theories. What I don’t think we should skip is the fact that Card actively advocates for people to not have rights that he himself enjoys. This not only makes him a bigot but a hypocritical one as well. Although ma r r iage equa l it y a nd get t i ng everyone on an even playing field within the law would not affect him personally, Card feels the need to go out of his way to make sure no one but his specific brand of people gets to enjoy the rights he does. Is it heterocentric? Homophobic? Prejudiced? Bigoted? Yes, yes, yes (and you guessed it) … yes. Do we really want to be giving our money to someone who campaigns for inequality, stratification of people according to his personal morals, and laws that criminalize love? Do we want to line the pockets of someone who donates to a hate group? By spending money on this film, or his book, or any other Card works, we’re casting a vote for a world in which the rights of gay people are not only nonexistent, but gay people are criminalized. We’re voting for a world that is dependent on one man’s extreme views — views that are hateful, spiteful, ignorant and demeaning. A sci-fi film might look alluring, but to boycott “Ender’s Game” sends a message that we are not complacent with good people being oppressed for no reason. Seeing “Ender’s Game” supports hate, oppression, stigmatization, and bigotry. Let’s stand up for what we know is right and steer clear of contributing to Card’s coffers. Konrad Juengling is an Oregon native who currently lives in Beaverton with his boyfriend and three cats. He works full time in the financial industry, but has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in women, gender, and sexuality studies. After finishing the post-baccalaureate work he is currently doing at Portland State University, Konrad will pursuw a master’s degree with the goal of working with juvenile sex offenders. An avid collector of literature, Konrad also helps to run a gay men’s book club at Pivot in downtown Portland. pqmonthly.com
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16 • October-November 2013
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Pretty And Witty And Gay
SLUTTY By Belinda Carroll PQ Monthly
I have something to tell you, sweetstuff. It’s the kind of confession that is usually preceded by three triple martinis and a promise to not shed underwear in public. Ok, here it goes: I’m not as slutty as I used to be. Oh sure, there was a time that I had so much sex for sport that I had my own category in the REI catalogue; they called me Salacious Sally. That’s mostly because my entourage of lovers wasn’t allowed to know my name — it cut down on the stalking. But, just as all swallows have an inherent desire return to Capistrano, I’ve had to succumb to an even more disturbing migration pattern: a migration toward meaningful relationships. Calm down, lemondrop. I’m not talking about moving to the suburbs and collecting ceramic chickens while professing my love for Pottery Barn. If you ever catch me knitting, owning camping equipment, or saying, “I think Uruguay would be a great place to look for our designer baby,” get me to the next Castro Street Fair, find the first short-haired butch in a A-line shirt, and have her slap the sense into me. That’s actually not a bad idea at anytime. What I’m talking about is my late teens and 20s, where despite all odds, I was bound and determined to propagate the species. That didn’t go as planned because eggs don’t get fertilized on their own, no matter how hard you try. Although, I shudder to think what my child support payments would’ve looked like had I’d ever had access to sperm. I was one lucky biological difference away from being the star of Baby Daddy Week on “Maury Povich.” The issue, my little rack of lamb, is that I actually would like to know a person beyond what cocktail they prefer and how flexible they can be while riding memory foam. Though I will say that if you can find someone capable of power yoga on a waterbed, it may not be required you know every little thing about them; let’s not ruin a beautiful dismount. Have you ever been attracted to someone mysterious? Someone who you couldn’t quite figure out, someone who constantly made you guess where they were, what they were thinking, feeling, and what kind of drugs they were on? Of course, that’s exciting for a minute, but when the chips are down and I’m hysterical because I’ve just found out that MAC discontinued Diva Red and I’m going to have to go with Buttery Brown, which means changing my entire wardrobe, I want someone who will assure me that Lancome has a color that is slightly more bur-
gundy but serviceable. Crisis avoided. The idea that to attract and keep your lover interested you have to hide your idiosyncratic differences is a myth, sugarpie. Think about it, how long can you downplay your love of Cheez-Wiz, or the fact that once a year you have a Spongebob Squarepants marathon? Long enough for her to look in your fridge and realize that unless you own a catering business for rednecks, there’s no good reason to own six cans of Cheez-Wiz and the Costco-size box of snack crackers. For example, I am a comedian. A lot of people would assume this means I am witty and fun constantly. Those people have never seen me in egg yolk-stained sweatpants, watching the sixth episode of “I (Almost) Got Away With It” — a show so low budget that it makes cable access look polished — and bitching that I’m just not getting enough accomplished and I don’t know why. My girlfriend gets all of me, good and bad, and for that I had to be honest from the very first — a little relationship life hack that I didn’t know until approximately my 1,000th relationship. (I’m sorry to all who came before this realization.) Sometimes, I miss the days of getting into a relationship with the thought of who I could create myself to be for that person. Because this time I was going to be zen, workout every day, and finally learn the banjo. (Note: don’t ever lie about being able to play the banjo. It’ll come back to haunt you at a cookout.) And, glittertits, if you are judging me for being lost in my 20s, then I suggest some self-honesty. No one came out of the womb knowing who they were. Except for maybe Cher, and even she got modifications as she went along. Whether a person is in your life for a night or for a lifetime, you will be much more comfortable if that person understands you are not James Dean and are in fact, closer to the awkward kid in “Superbad.” Now let’s go tell each other our deepest secrets and see what acrobatics can be achieved on memory foam.
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Belinda Carroll is a Portland-based, nationally-touring stand-up comic, writer, vocalist, and an ardent LGBT activist who is in desperate need of a nap, a massage, and a girlfriend who works for an airline or a spa. For booking or to offer the aforementioned services, her email is BelindaDCarroll@gmail.com. pqmonthly.com
October-November 2013 • 17
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JOEL HAMLEY Principal Broker, ABR, SRES
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WHISKEY & SYMPATHY
Dear Monika & Gula,
I’m a young gay guy, and a liberal one, too — I’d even call myself a feminist. Here’s the thing, though, that I’ve never really admitted to anyone: I’m very into rape fantasies, both in terms of raping others and getting raped myself. In general I get how rape culture hurts everyone, and I wouldn’t actually violate someone else, but alone with my fantasies, every single time that’s what comes up. It kind of bothers me that I’m so into it, and I’d be ashamed if people I knew found out about it. What do you say about that?
Thanks, Disturbed on Mt. Tabor
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Disturbed,
Gula
Monika MHz
You already seem to realize that rape and sex are chasms apart — you don’t see yourself whispering the lyrics from Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” to a stranger any time soon — and yet, alone, your steamy fantasies drift to thoughts of rape. Then, after you blow your wad and come back your “liberal feminist” senses, you find yourself disturbed and ashamed that rape is your go-to withdrawal from the spank bank. But, Disturbed, you’re not alone. There are so many people who, like you, fantasize about rape that there’s been scores of research and many communities, online and off, dedicated to consensually negotiating and roleplaying these fantasies. Even my own experiences with sexual assault totally left their mark in a few dark victim fantasies before I fought to move past them. You didn’t mention being a survivor, but I think you really buried a lead where you vary from more common versions of rape fantasies by shipping your lofty crush while being both victim and violator. What is it about both that gets nipples hard and your hands wandering? Why do you think you conflate victim and violator in the same shuttered breath? Are you using rape fantasies as a placeholder for some other taboo? This often comes tied to a desire for control and/or shame and humiliation — because [sarcasm alert] what could be more humiliating than a dick in your ass against your will? It’s telling of how these fantasies make you feel that you call yourself “disturbed,” Mountie, and it seems you’d like to leave them behind in favor of pulse-raising thoughts of consensual, if a bit taboo, sex. And the good news is that there are oodles of ways to get humiliated or to play sexy power/ control games in a safe and consensual way. You never mention if you’re single, but the internet is a vast den of debauchery for you to explore. If you don’t have a partner, you will find people who would love to tie you up and pee on your face or whisper filthy everythings in your ear while spanking you over their knee, or vice versa. Because if these fantasies bother you to the point of disturbia in Portlandia, seize on your ability to explore the “why” and express those desires outside the context of fantasized rape — but, instead, in the context of perhaps other taboos or sexual paraphilias.
Love, MHz
Disturbed on Mt. Tabor,
SHAME ON YOU — for feeling guilty about a human instinct. I think people forget we are all animals and without our advanced brains, humanity, and laws, we would be like rabbits in the woods humping any tail that hops by. That animal instinct can sneak in there and make things weird and sexy. In the wild you have a predator and prey; the predator would stalk, show their dominance, find a way to approach their prey without spooking it, and pounce — just like in our world, where the prey grooms themselves, bats an eye, and flicks a tail wondering when they might get jumped at the watering hole. We still play those sexy games but with rules and cocktails — or Grindr. When I was young and getting to know my body I would fantasize about being snowed-in at a log cabin and we couldn’t get out! We started to freeze. “We?” you ask. I was not out, I didn’t even know that two men could be together, but it wasn’t a woman needing to take her clothes off. It was a faceless, genderless body, a stranger! And it was HOT! I like to call that scenario “‘It’s not my fault’ sex.” We had to stay warm, and by making it faceless there was no guilt in my desires. I think a lot of gay men have fantasies to deal with some self-homophobias. If they were taken by force, it’s not their fault. On the other side of this desire coin you have, “I am taking back my sexuality and will dominate the homophobia by jumping on it, taking away its power, and screwing it!” Rape culture is always bad. Your guilt is coming from that advanced brain I spoke of earlier. You know the rules where you can’t take someone by force. Have you roleplayed rape? If both parties are playing out roles and there is safety and trust, I think you can experiment all day. But before you kick yourself, look inside and see why this fantasy turns you on so much. You might just need to dabble in a bit of S&M and play with the exchange of power roles in a safe way. Good luck my little gay man feminist!
XOXOXO, Gula
Need some advice from Monika and Gula? Send your query — with “Whiskey & Sympathy” in the subject line — to info@pqmonthly.com. Monika MHz is a DJ, queer trans Latina, and a feminist/Xicanista whose relationship status is “it’s complicated” with dubstep. Kinky, prudish, sexty, or cyber; survival, straight queer, gay, double queer (with a trans woman), or lesbian — if it’s sex, or a mistake, she’s been there, done that. Monika is an activist working hard for marginalized populations and runs a program offering in-home HIV testing for trans women. When not writing, she’s probably off somewhere making a dick joke or peeing while sitting down, like a champ.
Gula Delgatto’s life began in a small rural farming town in Romaina. She was scouted singing in a rocky field picking potatoes by a producer of a “Mickey Mouse Club” type ensemble. While touring the Americas the group fell apart due to jealousies and drugs. She later transitioned from Vaudeville to starring on the big screen to woman’s prison, and eventually advised the Dali Lama on fashion n-stuff. Currently she’s taking her life knowledge and giving back in an advice column for PQ.
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PQ PICKS
Thursday, October 17 PQ Monthly Press Party: Mix and mingle with the makers of your favorite queer newspaper. This goes down every third Thursday, at rotating venues. You’ll never know who you’ll gaze at from across the room, maybe it’s your new soul mate. This month: Crush. 5pm-7pm, 1400 SE Morrison. Free, clearly. Friday, October 18 A Night of Kink: Rocky’s Horror — A slightly modified version of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, acted out live, complete with singing, dancing, and a fantastic floor show featuring an all-star cast. Zora Phoenix as Frank N Furter and Blake Hicks as Rocky. You had me at Zora Phoenix. 9pm, Bossanova Ballroom, 722 E Burnside. $12 GA, $25 VIP. Hard Yes! In a word that seems to constantly say no, it’s up to us to say a hard fucking YES queens. Commence a journey towards affirmation with a new late night party scenario. After hours until 4am, live pop-up performances, all satisfying your sexy, lofty, comic desires. Featuring the music/talent of DieAna Dae, Damon Boucher, Melody Awesomazing, Roy G Biv, Bruce LaBruiser, Hold My Hand, and many, many more. 10pm, Crush, 1400 SE Morrison. $6, but free before 11pm. Saturday, October 19 Not Enough! Queer music and arts festival. Not Enough is a two-day festival of all-new and collaborative music, film, visual, art — whatever you can think of — projects and installations by queer/LGBTQI people. It’s all ages and all the money raised goes into putting on the festival, and to SMYRC (Sexual Minority Youth Resource Center). Donations of $5 and up are accepted, though no one is turned away because of an inability to pay. Youth enter for free (18 and under). Check out notenoughpdx.tumblr. com/. Goes through Sunday. 12pm, SMYRC, 2450 NE Sandy. Brr-lescape: Halloween Boylesque and Burlesque. Spooky boylesque & burlesque wrapped in a creepy and sexy taste of tease! The night all your dreams converge into beautiful, glistening reality. 9pm, Crush, 1400 SE Morrison. $10. Monday, October 21 Gay Skate, sponsored by yours truly (PQ Monthly). Every third Monday. Join Sock Dreams, the Rose City Rollers, and all the amateur skaters in the city at the one and only queer skate night. Work muscles you never knew you had — but don’t fall, like our editor once did. (We’ll miss you, Julie Cortez!) I know this is where you’ll meet your next life partner. 7-9pm, Oaks Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way. $6. All ages. Wednesday, October 23 The Changing Environment for Marriage Equality, a free seminar. Join a panel of experts who plan to discuss how the legal changes taking place in favor of the LGBTQ community can affect you and your partner. From legal recognitions to financial implications, hear from a CPA, a financial planner, and attorneys. This event is free and open to the public. There will be door prizes and light snacks provided, if you needed any extra enticement. 6pm, Q Center, 4115 N. Mississippi. Friday, October 25 Lineage: Honoring Ancestry through Performance and Community. DieAna Dae and Kaj-Anne Pepper host an evening of performances and offerings to honor the queer and personal ancestry that paved the road we walk today, as well as inspired us to keep moving forward. Each performance
at this event will be an offering to honor a personal and/or queer ancestor — there’ll be a wrking “altar” on stage. An evening of inspiration and support. Kaj-Anne, DieAna, Jason Myers, and Mister E are slated to perform so far. 7pm, Old Town Floyd’s, 118 NW Couch. $4-10, sliding scale. Contact DieAna if you’re interested in contributing. Saturday, October 26 Inaugural Ryan Woods Grassroots Community Award/Make a Difference Day. People in Vancouver join forces with other community members to make a big difference in their community. More info here: cityofvancouver. us/cmo/page/volunteer-make-difference-day-0 Sunday, October 27 Third Annual Pie Bake-Off and Women Build Fundraiser. The Women Build committee of Habitat for Humanity Portland Metro/East is gearing up for their third annual fundraising and awareness-building event. All proceeds go to Women Build to help them pay for construction supplies for their tenth home build for a deserving low-income family. Family-friendly. 3:30pm, Alberta Street Pub, 1036 NE Alberta. 3 tastes for $5, 7 for $10, 10 for $20. Thursday, October 31 Halloween Blackout Party at Hawk’s PDX. You trick, they treat. A special Thursday night Halloween Blackout Party comes with devilishly cheap $7 lockers. 8pm, Hawk’s, 234 SE Grand. Scandals PDX hosts its annual Halloween shindig. As is their tradition, there’ll be a costume contest (with a substantial cash prize). This year’s theme: Scandals in history. Come dressed as your favorite infamous character or get creative and transform yourself to represent some insane scandal from history. Brilliant? Check. 8pm, Scandals, 1125 SW Stark. Friday, November 1 Genderf**king Takeover is bringing their monthly parties back: this night, it’s Queen, Please. Their goal: take over a beautifully queer “straight” bar. Drink specials, with music by Kasio Smashio (resident) and Art of Hot (guest). Hosted by Carla Rossi, there will be special appearances by Alexis Campbell Starr, Fannie Mae Darling, Georgia Ray Babycakes, and many more. This night, you might win tickets to see Latrice Royale. 9:30pm, Morrison Hotel, 719 SE Morrison. $3. $1 if you’re in drag. Thursday, November 7 Shorty Shorts! See our story on page 26. Caravan of Glam tour stays home, right here in Portland. And guess who they’re bringing to the party? It’s true: Latrice Royale. When did our sweet city become such a destination for these famous out-of-towners? Performances, games, contests — all in one night. In addition to the Royale, you’ll get Ecstacy Inferno, Isaiah Esquire, Allie McQueen, and many more queens. 9pm, Rotture, 315 SE Third. $10. Saturday, November 9 Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? One of HRC’s most anticipated events, this Jose Rivas-helmed delight involves you buying a ticket for dinner (not knowing where you’re going) and you’re assigned a beautiful meal at one of the generous hosts’ gracious homes. Dessert at Vibrant Table. It’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone and mix/mingle with some new people. To sponsor, host, or for more information, visit hrc.org/ pdxguesswho/.
Sunday, October 27: Inaugural Q Sports Celebration at Nike World Headquarters. The mission of Q Center’s Health and Wellness Program is to enhance the quality of life for LGBTQ people and allies by supporting a holistic approach to mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Q Sports offers connectedness to organized athletics, exercise for wellness programs, and healthful living programs. Hosted by Shaley Howard and Tim Bias, featuring Sherri Murrell and Cyd Zeigler. 11am, Nike Tiger Woods Center, Beaverton. Tickets/info: pdxqcenter.org/
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PERS{ECTOVES Want more? We’ll give you everything. Head over to pqmonthly.com and check out our online calendar of events, submit your own events, and peruse photos from your reporters-about-town. Also, remember to carefully examine our weekly weekend forecast — with the latest and greatest events — each Wednesday (sometimes Thursday), online only.
DANCE IT OUT (CHEERFULLY PAY YOUR COVERS; DEEJAYS GOTTA EAT, TOO.)
First Sundays Bridge Club. A slew of stellar deejays play music on some of the city’s most treasured patios. Old Boys Club regularly welcomes special guests. Brunch, mingle, get down. (Note: on hiatus until they secure a permanent new venue, stay online for the latest.) Every Sunday. Superstar Divas. Bolivia Carmichaels, Honey Bea Hart, Ginger Lee, and guest stars perform your favorite pop, Broadway, and country hits. (I. Love. These. Queens.) Dance floor opens after the show. 8pm, CC Slaughters, 219 NW Davis. Free! First Thursdays Dragathon (every Thursday). Sponsored by Smirnoff, this Drag Race-esque competition features 11 queens and celebrity judges, hosted by Ecstacy Inferno. Goes down early enough you can still make the late show. 8pm, Funhouse Lounge, 2432 SE Eleventh. Dirt Bag. Keyword: Bruce LaBruiser. She’ll make all your musical dreams come true. Indie, pop, electro, all of it. Dance to the gayest jams. 10pm, The Know, 2026 NE Alberta. Free. Hip Hop Heaven. Bolivia Carmichaels hosts this hip-hop-heavy soiree night every Thursday night at CCs. Midnight guest performers and shows. 9pm, CC Slaughters, 219 NW Davis. Free. First Fridays (and every Friday) Eat My Martini, Portland’s newest lesbian club night. Portland is long overdue for a regular lady spot. Every Friday: drink specials, dancers, deejays, and more. 9pm, Fontaine Bleu, 237 NE Broadway. $10. First Saturdays Sugar Town. DJ Action Slacks. Keywords: Soul, polyester. 9pm, The Spare Room, 4830 NE 42. $5. Maricón! Ill Camino rotates special guests and reinvents Crush with his beloved once-monthly dance party. (Moisti will still make cameos.) For homos and their homeys. 10pm, Crush,1400 SE Morrison. $3. Second Thursdays I’ve Got a Hole in My Soul. Three keywords, the most important being: DJ Beyondadoubt. Others: soul, shimmy. 9pm, Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison. $5. Second Tuesdays Bi Bar—thank our friend Cameron Kude for pointing this out to us. Bi Bar is every second Tuesday at Crush, and it’s an open, bi-affirming space for music and mingling. Correction: Bi/Pan/Fluid/Queer. 8pm, Crush, 1400 SE Morrison. Second Saturdays Rotate. Bridge Club’s Hold My Hand brings his unique musical stylings — and a slew of special guests — to Crush. Dance it out. 9pm, Crush, 1412 SE Morrison. $3.
Saturday, November 2: Dickslap returns with Scissor Sisters in tow. OK, maybe not all the Scissor Sisters, but inarguably the most important one, Jake Shears. You read that right. You can drool all you want, just stay off the stage unless you’re an approved go-go person. Featuring Nark, Ross Milam, Sammy Jo, and Trouble, Dickslap is a let loose scenario for boys and girls and more boys, a wonderland full of free beard rubs, slick hands, and magical go-go men — where whiskey shots go down easy and the sounds of the discotheque parade surround and intoxicate you. 9pm, Rotture, 315 SE Third.
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Mrs.: The queen of theme welcomes its new hostess, Kaj-Anne Pepper! And dynamic DJ duo: Beyondadoubt and Ill Camino. Costumes, photo booths, all the hits. 10pm, Mississippi Studios, 3939 N. Mississippi. $5. Third Thursdays Polari. Troll in for buvare. Back-in-the-day language, music, and elegance. An ease-you-into-the-weekend mixer. Bridge Club boys make the music. Bridge and tunnel patrons have no idea what to do with us when we pour in. 10pm, Vault, 226 NW 12. Free. Third Fridays Ruthless! Eastside deluxe. DJs Ill Camino, Rhienna. Come welcome new resident deejay Rhienna and listen to the fiercest jams all night long. Keyword: cha cha heels. 10pm, Local Lounge, 3536 NE MLK. $3. Third Saturdays Gaycation all you ever wanted. DJs Charming/Snow Tiger/Goss’p Cat. Be early so you can actually get a drink. Sweaty deliciousness, hottest babes. This month, Halloween edition! 9pm, Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison. $3. Fourth Thursdays Monsteroki. You read it right. Gula Delgatto hosts an evening involving her own special brand of karaoke. Sometimes she decides the song, sometimes you do. (She sings! She dances!) 9pm, Crush, 1412 SE Morrison. $3. Fourth Sundays Gender Abundant Square Dance. All-ages goodness. No experience necessary! 7pm, The Village Ballroom, 700 NE Dekum. All ages! $7. Fourth Fridays Twerk. DJs ILL Camino and II Trill. Keywords: bring your twerk. The city’s longest-running queer hip hop/ R&B party--where artists, deejays, performers come to mix, mingle, and move on the dance floor. Established fun, all night long. 9pm, Local Lounge, 3536 NE MLK. $5.Fourth Saturdays Inferno! DJs Wildfire and D-Zel. Ladies, ladies, ladies. Rotating venue—check online for the latest! Blow Pony. Two giant floors. Wide variety of music, plenty of room for dancing. Rowdy, crowdy, sweaty betty. 9pm, Rotture/Branx, 315 SE 3. $5. Filth: (Formerly Hey Queen!) For the party girls. The more intimate, shoulder-to-shoulder Saturday night choice. Bruce LaBruiser and special guests. 9pm, Beulahland, 118 NE 28. Free. Last Thursdays Laid Out, Bridgetown’s newest gay dance party. Seriously, the posters read: “gay dance party.” Deejays Gossip Cat and Pocket Rock-It, with photos by Eric Sellers. 9pm, Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison. $3 after 10pm.
Sunday, November 3: The long-awaited Poison Waters and Friends Sunday Brunch Show and Film is upon us. A mere $19 gets you food (the brunch part), a show (the Poison part), and a movie (the film part). The doors open at 10:30 (in the am times, people), and the buffet opens at 11. Yes, it’s help yourself and pray Poison doesn’t steal all the bacon off your plate. There are bottomless mimosas as well, but those you have to pay for. The film: “Auntie Mame.” I think the whole morning sounds like heaven. Misson Theater, 1624 NW Glisan. Tickets: poisonwaters.com/calendar October-November 2013 • 19
NIGHTLIFE
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CALENDAR
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October-November 2013 • 21
NIGHTLIFE NIGHTLIFE
Your annual Halloween To-Boo list
From Blow Pony to an all ages cover bands show, Portland promoters are giving you plenty of options this Halloween. By Daniel Borgen PQ Monthly
Halloween in this town sometimes feels bigger than Pride — the costumes, the soirees, the energy. (Perhaps it’s the SAD and/or the wine talking, but I stand by my declaration.) All Hallow’s Eve brings out the best — and most creative — Portland has to offer, and the events and parties are usually more than equal to the creative task. As per usual, the day of falls on a weekday, so there’s all manner of party going in the moments leading up to game day. (But do save yourself for the 31st, because Laid Out is lucky enough to fall on Halloween itself.) Here’s a smattering of our best In addition to the usual packed cover bands show, this Halloween bets: Thursday, Octoyear Wicked Awesome is putting on an all-ages version ber 24: A full week at Slabtown. ahead of the big day, Totes Hilars returns for its latest incarnation. Totes Hilars is a queer comedy variety show featuring all manner of homo — and allies — hosted by our August cover model, Melody Awesomazing. This night typically includes stand-up comedy, musical acts, burlesque, ventriloquism (really), clowning, and drag. (That’s a lot of things.) Aside from the hostess with the most-ess, acts include (but are not limited to) Carla Rossi, Sally Mulligan, Jen Tam, Manuel Hall, Monsoon royalty Nick Sahoyah, and many more. 7pm, Old Town Floyd’s, 118 NW Couch. $5-10, sliding scale. Friday, October 25: Wicked Awesome, Big Homo Halloween Party and Cover Bands Show. Can you believe this 22 • October-November 2013
party is in its fifth year? What, you’ve never been? Shame legend Jackie Hell, and New Orleans’ Vinsantos, to name a on you, and clear your Friday night agenda. (You can DVR few. That’s a versatile cast. Deejay Matt Bearracuda is the those TV shows, lezzie.) Along with a slew of the city’s most evening’s special guest music-maker, and all your BP faves beloved disc jockeys (Roy G Biv, Bruce LaBruiser, Goss’p will be on hand as well. Michael Horwitz will be drawing Cat), the following “cover bands” are on tap: the Decepta- your portraits. (If you’re somehow unfamiliar with him, get cons perform Le Tigre, Katie O and the No No Nos do Yeah familiar.) Sounds like all of the things to me. 9pm, Rotture, Yeah Yeahs, Fist Shaped Box takes on Nirvana, and the 315 SE Third. $5. Bomb Ass Phugees (guess who that is) cover the Fugees, Wednesday, October 30 brings Wicked Wednesday, the Wyclef, and Lauryn Hill. (Yes!) In addition to that musical all-ages Halloween party and queer cover bands show. This bounty, your MC for the evening is Carla Rossi, there’ll be year, Freedie Says Relax and Wicked Awesome are doing a a costume contest, and basically all of your queer dreams special second show, an all-ages edition of Wicked Awewill come true. “Stay tuned, stay some. Deejays are a bit different freaky, and we’ll see you when the — Bitchslap and II Trill — but the veil is thin.” 8pm, White Owl Social cover bands are mostly the same. Club, 1305 SE 8. $8. Fist Shaped Box, Katie O and the Saturday, October 26: Gula’s No No Nos, Bomb Ass Phugees. House of Whores. (See what she There will be a costume condid with “horrors” there?) Gula has test, pinball, air hockey, music, moved her beloved annual bash and even a bar for those of legal from her home to a bar (it’s for the drinking age. From the promotbest), and she’s invited all her favorers: “this is a party of all ‘with-it’ ite queens to join her. I’ll leave the human beings who are LGBTQI or talking to her: “Rattle your bones all allies, of all ages.” 7pm, Slabtown, night with DJ Up Above, wear your 1033 NW 16. $5, but no one turned costume, get your soul captured away for lack of funds. by our photo booth. Brothel doors Thursday, October 31: The big open at 9pm and the harlots of the day has arrived and Laid Out has house hit the stage at the stroke of all the blessings from beyond. Laid midnight.” She adds, “This is my Out’s Turn a Look is “calling all house party, but I’m tired of cleanfags, qweens, queers, gay boiz, gay ing.” So let Crush staff do it for you. grrlz, gay peoplez, baby dykes and In addition to being a fundraiser their daddies, dudebabes, twinks, for Shorty Shorts, the following Gula’s moved her house party to Crush and invited all her ladies-in-waiting bears, otters and wolves, models, “whores” will take the stage: Dieana to perform for you. self-identified sexy people, homos Dae, Carla Rossi, Shitney Houston, (no homo), fiercers, partiers, and Asia Ho Jackson, and Margarine Powers. (And more, but we anybody who wants to get sweaty to the damn dance floor.” ran out of room.) All the love from the grave. 9pm, Crush, That’s a quote. Anyway, the city’s newest homo dance party 1400 SE Morrison. $2. $2! knows how to bring it, so we can’t wait to see what this queer Blow Pony’s Night of the Living Homos: You’re not going institution brings on the night of Halloween. Costume conto believe who the Blow Pony kids rustled up for this year’s test, cash prizes, go-go ghouls (DieAna Dae, Shitney Houston, Halloween extravaganza! Raja. It’s true, that Raja. If you Stacy Stl Lisa), guest deejays — Ill Camino and Orographic, remember her from her last BP visit, you know she’s all your along with your usual resident (and party architect), Bridge queer dreams and more. In addition to that drag coup, the Club’s Gossip Cat. There’s much more, but you’re going to have Pony welcomes Delta Work (also from “Drag Race”), Seattle to show up to find out. 9pm, Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison. $5. pqmonthly.com
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ARTS & CULTURE FEATURES
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The epiphany sounds like a Zac Brown Band song, and it looks like a collar-popped meathead dancing arm-in-arm with a slightly stooped woman whose cane, which rests neatly on the barstool beside me, matches her cowboy boots. It’s my first night in Nashville, and the sodden July air is alive with the sounds, sights, and smells of honky tonk. My cousin and I are exploring the few blocks of downtown that inspire the city’s nickname, Nash-Vegas, and we’ve stumbled into a chintzy live-music joint masquerading as a karaoke bar, in which every last patron but me chose the same song. The only thing I have in common with the sardine-packed drunks around me is the glass of whiskey in my hand. Naturally I dispatch the last two fingers down my throat and order another. Casting sideways glances like they’re evil spells, my eyeballs are primed for some world-class rolling. The bartender in the NASCAR jersey wouldn’t know an artisanal cocktail if it muddled itself all over him. The women hollering off-key from my right aren’t concerned that their watering hole has a one-and-a-half-star rating on Yelp. The band breaks into a Billy Ray Cyrus cover, and even a few hipsters appear in compliance with the establishment’s zero-irony policy as they rollick next to the stage. This place is just so … earnest. Yet something strikes me before the snarky lobe of my brain takes full control of my body: I’m bewilderingly, confoundedly, disconcertingly drawn to the energy churning about this place, from the classic country-western records plastering the walls to the shards of peanut shells stuck to my sneakers. At first I blame Jack Daniels, but when the band breaks into “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy,” and I observe frat boys and senior citizens unite in unabashed glee, I concede the lack of pretense in this place is nearly as potent as the liquor. It might not be my style, but it seems everyone has converged in this gaudy tourist trap for no other reason than to enjoy themself. Met with the type of cheese-ball zeal that would typically turn my stomach, I feel aberrantly free. No wall of self-awareness obstructing my enjoyment, no sardonic fence keeping me from cutting loose and having a good fucking time. In retrospect, it’s absurdly appropriate (and yes, ironic) that elbow-to-elbow with all manner of Tennessee-honky-tonk stereotypes is where it dawns on me that my old pals Irony and Cynicism, when left unsupervised, make it impossible to have honest and fulfilling experiences. Truly absurd, though, is how
quick I was to judge in the first place. Is i t s y m p t o m atic of my status as a millennial that I’m astonished at having fun in a context devoid of the things I find hip or trendy? Or is this defensive tendency deeper, rooted to something inside me I didn’t choose, but might be able to help? First, I must admit that I am profoundly more self-conscious than I would like to be. Whether a result of years in the closet, unpleasant pre-teen experiences at the hands of my classmates, or a couple of crossed internal wires, I find myself constantly grappling with the critical voice in my head, with a dispiriting success rate. You’re a fraud with bad taste. You’re not even a fraction as smart as you think, and everyone knows it, it hisses. Even more troubling is how skillfully the voice disguises itself as those of my friends, my peers, my boyfriend, even random sidewalk passersby to cement its effectiveness at crippling me. Luckily, as we all know, the best way to conquer your own insecurities is to project them onto others. Irony and cynicism, I’ve come to recognize, are invaluable tools to that end. In a 2012 New York Times opinion piece titled “How to Live Without Irony,” Princeton professor Christy Wampole asserts: “The ironic frame functions as a shield against criticism.” Irony is the ethos of our age, she claims, and is “the most self-defensive mode, as it allows a person to dodge responsibility for his or her choices.” In examining my own habits, as well as those of my generation, I see the writing splashed across the walls. I can’t be told I’m wrong if I’m not saying anything real to begin with. I can’t be laughed at for my lack of rhythm if my dancing is already making fun of the guy next to me. Living ironically allows me to feign indifference before the world realizes I’m an idiot with nothing to offer. The true irony is that in behaving this way, I’m already offering nothing. That said, the world would be a dreary and humorless place without irony to bolster comedy, rhetoric, and social critique. “Fundamentalists are never ironists; dictators are never ironists; people who move things in the political landscape, regardless of the sides they choose, are never ironists,” Wampole points out. If that’s not an argument for at least a modicum of irony, then I’ll start wearing my own NASCAR jersey. But rampant irony and cynicism, in place of sincerity and involvement, are copouts. They are simply calculated responses to fear of judgment and shame that ultimately accomplish nothing. Instead, let’s all try a little genuineness. There’s no shame in that.
Andrew can be reached at andrew@pqmonthly.com. pqmonthly.com
ARTS & CULTURE
‘Jesus is such a power bottom’ Margaret Cho on politics, polyamory, and parenting ourselves By Nick Mattos
having sex?” To me, that’s a more prurient curiosity, and it hasn’t gone away. PQ: A lot of members of your fanbase have spent their entire adult life in wartime. From your viewpoint, how has living under wartime on one hand, and this sort of new She’s a comedian, an actress, an activist, a musician, a burlesque performer, a belly- paradigm in terms of how we can love and be out on the other, impacted the younger dancer, a Christian, and a kinky, bisexual, polyamorous woman of color. With her cur- generation of your fanbase? rent tour, Margaret Cho claims a new title — mother figure. In advance of her upcoming MC: There are so many people who have grown up under this war. I think of 9/11 — show at the Schnitz, Cho talked with PQ about war, the media, spirituality, and the ways we’re always in the shadow of it now. It’s given an urgency to relationships, and made that pain transforms us. people realize that love is important. PQ: So, Margaret … Syria. Do you Younger kids, and queer kids in general, think the U.S. should get involved in the are way more active and politicized; you conflict? can see this from the huge proliferation MC: It’s scary and crazy. I know a lot of of queer organizations in high schools. people who are active duty in the military, They’ve also added a lot more letters to and it’s a tough thing to know the actual LGBT — there are now allies, and quesreality of people who’d be deployed in tioning, intersex, and more. In a sense, the conflict and the life-or-death impact the umbrella of the queer community it’d have on their families for them to go got larger. I think this is a symptom of deal with it. I think that the news doesn’t living in a time of high stress. handle the reality of it, either. The news PQ: So much queer political work handles things like Miley Cyrus twerking right now has to do with marriage equalway more than they handle atrocity, and ity. How do you see marriage equality the actuality of life and death. It’s all just and polyamory interacting? so difficult to grasp. MC: I think marriage equality is PQ: The information is just so hard fundamentally about becoming politto come by with it, too. Like you said, so ically equal with heterosexuals — it’s much of the media bandwidth is taken less about the actuality of how we have up by pseudo-events like Miley Cyrus relationships, and more about how we’re twerking as opposed to real engagement viewed by the government and whether with this. we have equal rights. Polyamory is more MC: The way that you receive news about a personal quest in relationship, now is dependent on how far you’re willand that could be heterosexual, homoing to scroll down on the page. So often, sexual, or both. Marriage equality is a we’re only willing to go to the first page, civil rights crusade, and polyamory is and as a result we only see what’s trenda personal revolution. It’s different, but ing and what folks are tweeting about similar. — which is not necessarily what’s really PQ: Switching gears — you’re perhappening. Plus, I think the Miley Cyrus forming in Portland soon! Have you twerking stories gave a very weird explaspent much time in Portland? nation of what twerking is! It doesn’t MC: Yes! It’s an amazing city. I’ve spent quite explore this idea that it’s an approa lot of time there, especially in the last priation of African-American women’s year. It’s freezing cold there! It’s beautiful, bodies and music. It’s very layered. but it’s harsh — the weather is harsh, and PQ: The media’s handling of these to when the sun finally bursts through the issues kind of makes sense in that regard, clouds, it’s such a revelation. A lot of the because rather than looking at someculture is shoved inside by the climate, thing so horrifying that it makes your focused on things like what people are breath catch in your throat, something going to eat, how perfect the food can be, like Miley Cyrus twerking is a lot simpler. how organic it can be. Indoors, people It’s certainly an emotional issue, but it focus on internal pleasures — eating, doesn’t make your heart stop the way a drinking, beer, coffee. People have to deal looming global war would. with the rain somehow! MC: What’s really freaking me out is PQ: Thinking about indoor pleasures Photo by Miss Missy Photography the way that Russia still keeps Pussy Riot — another big one here is sex! in prison, that they have all these human “Marriage equality is a civil rights crusade, and polyamory is a personal revolution,” Margaret Cho says. “It’s different, but similar.” MC: In terms of openness, it’s a lot rights violations against LGBTQ citizens, more polyamorous and queer a city than and yet we as a global community are still basically okay with them hosting the Olympics. most other places I’ve seen. There’s a lot more specificity, too — people enjoying particThe good thing about it is that we get folks like Wentworth Miller and Dan Savage mobi- ular pleasures and really going for them. lizing to get boycotts going and to make a statement, but it’s all horrible. There’s always PQ: Do you think you’d ever relocate here? darkness and light in everything. MC: I might! Lately, I’ve been going there twice a month for about three or four days PQ: And we can’t forget Tilda Swinton! She’s been so fantastic in regards to the LGBTQ at a time. After a while of doing that, you get to know a place pretty well. situation in Russia, and also in regards of bisexual, queer, polyamorous visibility in genPQ: What’s distinctive about your “Mother” tour? eral. For you, as someone who’s been out for many years as being both bi and poly, how MC: This show is really about the ways we parent in the gay community. Now that do you find the visibility of your lifestyles has changed over the last decade? I’ve reached the awesome age of being the “Grand Dame” of my friends, I’m referred to MC: People are always shocked when they realize it. Bisexuality and queerness in gen- as a mother figure by so many gay people! It’s also about my own mother, but centrally eral for women is a little less shocking to people nowadays — a lot of very famous women it’s about being in that mothering position.… It’s important that we do parent ourselves have come out as bisexual, and I think it’s because it’s somehow safer for women to be and parent each other, especially in the queer community where many of us have experibi than for men. Polyamory is still very hard for folks to understand. I get a lot of practi- enced abandonment from our “bio-families” because of our queerness. As a result, we’re margaret cho page 29 cal questions — like, “Where does the sex come in? What do you do when your partner is PQ Monthly
pqmonthly.com
October-November 2013 • 25
FILM
Their Shorty Shorts will haunt you
In its third incarnation, this year Shorty Shorts has attracted the likes of Chi Chi Larue — in addition to the slew of local filmmakers and artists who’ve submitted short films. By Daniel Borgen PQ Monthly
At this point, you know the routine — or you should. It’s late autumn — November, to be precise — and your lazy, sunny Sundays on patios are long gone. Thanksgiving is a few short weeks away and you’re being hurled toward darker, damper days and full-blown seasonal affective disorder. (Unless you’re like me and winter has the opposite effect.) You spend Saturday nights staring down empty whiskey bottles, navigating the latest and greatest queer dance night, anything to counter the effects of the slew of family gatherings on the horizon. Your service job gets busier and busier — throngs of suburban consumers want to spend wads of their sweet cash on all manner of landfill, their dead eyes showing the tiniest hints of life with the scan of each barcode. What could possibly stave off the bluest of winter blues? Enter Shorty Shorts: you and a couple hundred of your closest friends nestled into one of the city’s coziest venues, Clinton Street Theater. It’s back! And all that art, energy, creativity, and community have breathed new life into your existence. Moviegoers arrive early, claim seats, and mingle like it’s a Sunday affair at Bridge Club or Control Top. Your hostess, Gula Delgatto — the architect of all things good and queer and short — exclaims, “Look at all these people mingling! I love it.” Over and over again, she implores, “Make art!” Clinton is so full people have to stand in the back. Through each short film, they cheer, gasp, laugh, holler, moan — all their sounds add up to one certainty: engagement. The energy is infectious, and Gula’s standing up front with a microphone, playing the role of Oprah to her legions of followers. “You win a short!” There were so many highlights in 2012, it’s genuinely difficult to choose even a few. Carla Rossi made an exceptionally hilarious workout video. David Fletcher taught us gay drunk history. Zach Banton beat his face (that’s drag talk) in a mirror while the audience admired his beauty. Melody Awesomazing, defending their mannequin-head life partner, proclaimed, “I think you’re body shaming him 26 • October-November 2013
right now because he has no arms.” Andrew Barter narrated, from his bed, as we stared at his one-night stand’s back. He captured so perfectly the crazed moments we allow ourselves to have, when the butterflies in our stomach fly up into our throat, when we let ourselves imagine some kind of future with someone we’ve just met. And that’s just the tip of the very gay iceberg. Heart is what Shorty Shorts has in spades. Add in to the mix all the things: cleverness, humor, irony, and, sometimes, heartbreaking beauty. YouTube “Vag Land.” I dare you to watch it and not get weepy. Shorty Shorts started in Eric Sellers’ (Gula Delgatto) kitchen over a bottle of whiskey, and it’s emerged as one of our community’s yearly highlights. Like Pride, but indoors. In a theater. “We never expected this much support,” Sellers said. “The first year we were going to have Shorty Shorts at some random dive bar, but Q Center made it an event and we were thrilled by the turnout. The next year we moved to the Clinton Street Theater. We knew we had more of a following from the first year, but we never expected to completely pack the house. It was such an amazing feeling — so many facets of our community came together in one space. Shorty Shorts always surprises us, though. We are thinking — and hoping, praying, fingers crossed — that through word of mouth and promotion, we’ve reached a larger audience in the queer community. We really hope to see new people that we don’t normally see — on stage and the big screen, submitting shorts.” “We have a humble little following outside of Portland, too — Chi Chi LaRue asked to submit something, and also Drew Droege of ‘Chloe’ fame will be creating something special just for us,” Sellers continued. In addition to those celebrity contributions, Shorts organizers are adding a cocktail party to the menu. In an effort to maximize on the festival’s social vibe, they’ll have adult beverages available an hour before the show, making the mixing and mingling all that more pleasurable. As the date approaches, Sellers gets more and more nervous. “Honestly, every year it comes down to the wire.
We usually don’t get submissions until the last minute — however, the shorts that we make, we’re so excited about. And sometimes we make too many and have a hard time choosing between our babies. When all the submissions are in, it’s like Christmas.” Gula and her army of organizers point to a variety of highlights coming this year, including “The Craft,” a remake of a movie trailer that features men in their 30s in the original girls’ roles. (I imagine that’ll be a crowd pleaser.) There’s also a horror short — never done before — and a spoof of several television shows, including “My Strange Addiction” and “E True Hollywood Story.” Hint: Amber Lynn. “Again, we never anticipated this much support,” Sellers said. “People still approach me at random events and bars and say, ‘I loved the festival so much! It made me want to make my own film.’ Of course my reply is, ‘Do it! Make art.’ That is what Shorty Shorts is about — anyone can make a film. In the past year, I’ve heard Shorty Shorts used as a verb in the community. The term ‘make a Shorty Short’ has become part of our queer lingo.” Indeed it has, Mr. Sellers/Ms. Delgatto — a part of our lingo and tradition. The format is changing a bit from past years — most notably the opening hour cocktail soiree, where Gula plans to get up close and personal with fans and directors. She’ll be encouraging you to imbibe because, well, “a little booze makes a Short and Gula really entertaining.” During intermission, Ms. Delgatto will host a raffle and graciously provide snacks and food from some of her favorite local restaurants. And, at the very end, there will be a secret ballot and “People’s Choice” trophy awarded. I was talking to a promoter friend of mine recently about some events that happen to be going down the same night as Shorty Shorts. Her response: “Institutional queer art by local queer artist and contributors? No-brainer.” Precisely. Have you cleared your calendar yet? The deadline for submissions is fast approaching — Oct. 25 — and the night in question is Nov. 7. Just plan on arriving at 6. Find more info at shortyshortsfilmfest.com/. pqmonthly.com
ARTS & CULTURE
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October-November 2013 • 27
BOOKS THEATER
defunkt tackles race, homophobia, and theatre itself in ‘The Submission’
Photos by Rosemary Ragusa
“[The Submission] is fiercely funny and deadly serious at the same time,” says director Andrew Klaus of his new production with defunkt theatre. By Nick Mattos PQ Monthly
Acclaimed local theatre group defunkt presents the Portland premiere of “The Submission,” a play that explores the intersection of art, prejudice, and hypocrisy. Written by Jeff Talbott, “The Submission” tells the story of Danny Larsen (played by Matthew Kern), a struggling white gay playwright who pens a script about an African American family and their efforts to escape inner-city poverty. To increase its chances of getting produced, he submits the play to a prestigious theater festival under the pseudonym of “Shaleeha G’ntamobi.” When it is accepted, he hires Emily (Andrea White), an African American actress, to assume the role of his invented pen name. What follows is a searing, no-holds-barred exploration of racism, homophobia, sexism, affirmative action, and hypocrisy in modern America. After its New York premiere in 2011, theatre fans and critics alike raved about the surprisingly upbeat and thought-provoking production. Industry publication Backstage described “The Submission” as “fearless, whip-smart, and hyperarticulate,” noting that “Talbott’s incendiary political comedy-drama asks hard questions about our supposedly post-racial world.” New York productions of the play won such notable accolades as the 2011 Laurents/ Hatcher award for Best New Play, as well as the 2012 New York Outer Critics Circle Award. “So many things grabbed me with this script,” director Andrew Klaus says. “It’s fiercely funny and deadly serious at the same time. The issues of racism, misogyny, and
homophobia were clear, but also the questions of authorship and ownership over one’s story, and the debate over cultural representational and appropriation. All those things are important to me not only as a director but just in life as a human being.” “I think it’s paramount to look at comparative suffering and how minorities are pitted against one another in our society,” he says, “and how that in-fighting holds us all hostages. As a gay biracial Jew, I have on more than a few occasions felt the sting of hate speech and ignorance. While this is awful to experience, I feel that it is what one does with those experiences that ultimately matters the most.” To further the social justice dimension of the play, defunkt has partnered with the August Wilson Red Door Project, a local nonprofit that uses the arts as a catalyst for creating a lasting, positive change in the racial ecology of Portland. After the performance on Oct. 26, defunkt will host a postshow talkback facilitated by the August Wilson Red Door Project so that the cast and audience can further explore the themes raised by the production as a means of educating and elevating individuals and the community at large. While Klaus has worked on numerous productions with defunkt, this is his first time directing with the company and within the black box of Back Door Theatre — but the constraints of the space can make for an electrifying theatrical experience. “It’s really the perfect environment to stage a show like ‘The Submission,’” he says. “It’s intimate and confrontational. It’s a safe space to do dangerous things. I love the tangible closeness of it. It doesn’t allow for a disconnect
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between the audience and the performance. It’s a beautiful thing. I really love doing a piece of theater that in many ways is about theater itself and making sure that the theatrical stage craft of it isn’t hidden away. We are not attempting to be a movie on stage. This is a play, about, among other things, plays. Megan Wilkerson’s set is an abstraction of ideas that we think must have been swirling in the character Danny’s mind as he wrote his play-within-the-play. The sound design by Ron Mason Gassaway and Vanessa Pearl Janson’s beautiful lights augment the very now-ness of the story and I think the space is perfect for that kind of intensity.” Ultimately, Klaus hopes that “The Submission” will send audiences home not just entertained, but also primed for some important discussions. “The show is entertaining and shocking in equal measures,” he says. “I think it asks a lot of hard uncomfortable questions that have no easy answers and I hope audiences take that way with them into their own lives and discuss it. The show is not here to lecture anyone ... but it does ask you to sit with some big concepts and that prompts you to look at how you deal with issues in your own life.” “The Submission” runs Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights through Nov. 16 at The Back Door Theatre (enter through the Common Grounds Coffee Shop at 4321 SE Hawthorne, Portland). Doors open at 7:15 p.m., show begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Sunday night tickets are sliding scale $5-50, and Friday and Saturday night tickets priced at sliding scale $15-$25. For more information and to purchase tickets or season passes, visit defunktheatre.com.
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MUSIC
margaret cho: “I think Jesus is a very good teacher. Really, he’s such a power bottom! Jesus was all about taking other people’s pain and absorbing it, and making himself stronger because of it.” Continued from page 25
PQ: Do you feel a sort of responsibility in your position to encourage those “eternal boys” to become men? How would you do that? MC: Oh yeah! It’s a little bit of scolding, a little bit of encouragement to be proud and active, and a lot about having fun and enjoying life. Trying to give them a semblance of wisdom and hope. PQ: I understand that you’re a former Sunday School teacher and that you still identify as Christian. Can you talk a bit about your relationship with Jesus? MC: I think Jesus is a very good teacher. Really, he’s such a power bottom! Jesus was all about taking other people’s pain and absorbing it, and making himself stronger because of it — absorbing all the negativity from your persecutors and taking it on for someone else. He is not at all about guilt. A lot of Christianity has been distorted by anti-gay stuff that doesn’t even exist in the Bible at all. I think of Christ, at face value, is very much a power bottom. That’s a really good thing to be! PQ: On the subject of taking in pain and transforming it, you’re quite the tattoo enthusiast. MC: I’m over 70 percent covered in tattoos. There is a lot of transformative feeling in tattooing — it’s quite tribal and sacred to get your skin opened. It feels very ritualistic. PQ: How has that transformed Photo by Austin Young your relationship with pain? MC: I think you learn that the more “Mother,” which Cho brings to Portland in November, “is really about how we that something hurts, the more gratparent in the gay community.” ifying it is. That’s something that’s PQ: From a Jungian perspective, it’s repeated in all manner of places — psychointeresting that for gay men, it’s almost like logical and emotional transformations. Even the adoption of an internal powerful female BDSM! The way that people go into “sub figure, something to identify with to create space,” and discover that the more intense a sense of balance in life. I imagine that the pain is, the more intense the endorphin with your bellydance and burlesque back- high they receive from it is. It’s also in the ground, you must interact with that arche- transformation to becoming an adult — the typical energy quite a bit. more painful that the metamorphosis is, the MC: Definitely! Both forms are very greater the change will be. deeply connected to that motherly energy — the earth mother, the goddess. It’s a very Margaret Cho will perform at 8 p.m. comforting and natural role. For gay men, on Nov. 15 at the Arlene Schnitzer Conthere’s also often that sort of perceived myth cert Hall (1111 SE Broadway, Portland). of eternal boyhood, the social need to be For more information and tickets, go to young and to value youth. MargaretCho.com. all looking for mother figures. This is especially true for gay men, for whom it’s been a historical thing — you can follow the timeline from Joan Crawford, to Judy Garland, to Madonna, to Lady Gaga. They’re all looked at as mother figures, and have all thrived in that role.
MONTHLY
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October-November 2013 • 29
BOOKS
ID CHECK THE MURDER OF TRANSGENDER WOMEN MUST STOP By Leela Ginelle PQ Monthly
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In an average week, I read about the murders of two trans women. The women are American, and predominantly young. The details vary, but they’re generally murdered in their homes, and almost always by men they know. The crimes are covered by news outlets where the women lived, and the reporters often misgender the deceased. Activists pressure the media to correct their errors, but are only occasionally successful, which, in a way, is fitting. These murders are the most brutal, bloody expressions of transmisogyny. In the perpetrators’ actions we see the distillation of the idea that transgender women should not exist, and that those who try, and who pursue social and sexual connections, should expect to pay with their lives. When I began transitioning I was not as well-versed in these cases as I am now, but the thought of appearing in public as a transgender woman filled me with dread. While I did experience constant workplace harassment, my fear of being physically unsafe in the world slowly faded. Age, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, income level, and geography all likely combined to keep me safe. While I’ve stopped fearing the outcome shared by these murdered trans women, though, their murders — brutal, senseless, and consistent — have continued. Watching the carnage, I’ve travelled internally from vulnerability to numbness, to rage, unable to understand the silence of the queer community regarding this massacre. Young trans women of color murdered over and over. Has any LGBTQ leader, with the exceptions of Janet Mock and Laverne Cox, spoken out? Has any national LGBTQ organization spent a cent raising awareness around, or campaigning against, the persistent threat of violence and death faced by this group, who are marginalized and targeted routinely for their visibly queer identity? Some LGBTQ goals can be reached concretely through legislation, such as marriage equality and employment non-discrimination, and others come from stating boundaries loudly and clearly. In this case it’s time for voices to start shouting from every quarter that murdering a woman because she is transgender is something our community will not allow, and not stop until our allies are saying it’s something our country will not allow, and not let them stop until the murders themselves stop.
It’s possible the local news outlets misgendering these victims t r u l y d o n’t know they’re making mistakes, and it’s possible they’re simply practicing transmisogyny. It’s possible LGBTQ leaders and organizations are ignorant of what’s happening, and it’s possible they’re turning a blind eye, because they believe they can. What seems certain is that the stigma plaguing every trans woman — the stigma that makes dating torturous, that leads to an unemployment rate twice that, and a suicide attempt rate 25 times that of the national average, and that makes this violent homicide endemic — is not going to change until we begin to demand, with all our voices, that it changes. There is nothing wrong, abnormal, or unnatural about being a transgender woman. There are, however, innumerable things wrong, abnormal, and unnatural about the way transgender women are treated — in schools, in the workplace, in prisons, in the media, in popular culture, where the idea of our being romantic and sexual partners is, itself, a punchline, and in matters of life and death, where violent men seem to feel entitled to act as our executioners. This is systemic, and we are not to blame for it. I know no trans woman who has requested such treatment. Having seen it for what it is, however, it’s time for all of us to demand it stop. That means calling out anyone who perpetrates such hate, prejudice, and violence on every occasion until transmisogyny joins racism and homophobia as a practice any self-respecting person would feel ashamed to take part in. Only then will transwomen feel assured that they are seen as what they are — human beings. That fact should seem so basic as to be beyond doubt, but the recent laws proposed to bar trans people from public spaces, the opposition to granting trans students equal access in schools, and this constant, nationwide menace of physical violence all demonstrate how far trans women are from enjoying basic human equality in our culture. The journey to that goal starts with naming the injustices that impede it: the stigmatization, harassment, shaming, battery, and, above all, murder of transgender women must stop.
Leela Ginelle is a journalist and playwright living in Portland, Ore. Please write her at leela@pqmonthly.com.
30 • October-November 2013
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503.228.3139 October-November 2013 • 31
PROXIES By Nick Mattos PQ Monthly
DYKES ON BIKES® & FRIENDS
ARTS & CULTURE
DYKES ON BIKES® & FRIENDS PORTLAND CHAPTER MEETING #2, meet at Escape Bar & Grill Sunday 8-18-13 at 9am we will ride to Seaside SEPTEMBER 7, 2013 MEET UP AT BK MULLIGAN’S, 266 US Hwy 101,
in Lincoln City at 9:30am for the Oregon Coast Pride Ride
DYKES ON BIKES® & FRIENDS PORTLAND CHAPTER MEETING #3, will be Sunday 9-29-13 at 9am at Escape Bar & Grill, short ride after meeting FIRST ANNUAL WOMEN’S MUSIC FEST IN SEASIDE OREGON!! Eden PNW will be from Thursday October 3 to Sunday 6, 2013 at Seaside Shilo Inn. DOB ride on Sunday 10-6-13 at 2pm meetup at Shilo Inn. Please go to Eden PNW on FB for details or email Gabriela@PQMonthly.com for details. DYKES ON BIKES® & FRIENDS PORTLAND MEETING #4
Sunday 10-20-13 at 9am at Escape Bar & Grill
Dykes&Allies on Bikes
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32 • October-November 2013
RIDE LOUD & PROUD WITH US!
1) In the holiest of places, a pool sat atop the backs of seven marble oxen. I am in the baptismal room of the Oakland Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, wearing a white garment, climbing the steps into the proxy baptism font. I step down into the water, the ornately-painted ceiling high above me, three men in white suits sitting high above the font and another man waiting for me in the tank. I am 19 years old, the warm water up to my waist, the baptizer taking my right wrist tightly in his left hand. We are about to send a dead man to heaven. 2) “I wonder if everything I do, I do instead of something I want to do more — the question fills my head.” I am 16, sitting in my bedroom listening to Ani Difranco croon from the speakers of my boom box, and these words cut to the quick of me. Through my open window, the hot air of the summer night blows in with the sound of the cows lowing in their pasture, settling over me as I sit on the floor beside my bed. I am young and queer and anxious for something other than this farm I grew up on, hungry to get away to a place that I’m not even quite sure exists. For now, I listen to Ani on my boombox, and everything I do, I do instead of something I want to do more — but I don’t even know what it is that I want to do more. 3) To make something esoteric and complex overly simple, Mormons practice proxy baptism, or baptism for the dead, because in their theology virtually everyone will eventually come to believe in the truth of Mormon doctrine. However, some will only do so after they die. Those who do so after death (in “spirit prison”) need someone on Earth to get baptized on their behalf so that they can ultimately go forth into heaven. However, this isn’t quite as gracious a thing as one might think; Mormons also believe that there are multiple levels of heaven, and that most won’t get into the highest, “true” heaven without a lifetime of striving. To put it another way, everyone goes to heaven — but even in heaven, most will still yearn for a higher-up state that will not be attainable. 4) Refresh, refresh, refresh — my thumb keeps hitting the icon on my telephone’s touch screen. Grindr presents me with a grid of photos: men giving their best comehither smirks beside headless torsos, green
dots indicating that they are somewhere looking at their screens as well. I am 27 years old and sleepless in a bed that feels much too large, my apartment much too empty, for just one man to be in it. I’m not even horny; when I’m honest with myself, I really just want a man to tell me I’m wonderful, to sigh softly in expression of the great pleasure he takes in my company, to show me where my skin ends with the touch of his own. I never thought I’d be here, hitting refresh, refresh, refresh, hoping that one of these men would ignite something in me, that he’d come over and give me a proxy for what I actually wanted. 5) The baptizer bends his elbow to 90 degrees, holds his right palm open as though ready to strike me. “Brother Nick Mattos,” he says, “having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you for and in behalf of Werner Albrecht, who is dead, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” 6) “Eventually, I think you just have to decide to hitch your wagon to something.” I am 29 years old, sitting with a dear old friend of mine who is explaining why he’s attempting to be in a relationship with someone he doesn’t actually love. “I mean, he’s nice enough,” my friend says, staring down at his whiskey. “He’s cute enough, and definitely likes me a lot. He’s a good cook. I think he wants kids, too.” “Is that all you want out of a partner?” I ask him. “Just nice enough, and cute enough, and a good enough homemaker?” “The sex is good enough, too.” I find myself losing my patience with him. “Is he really who you want to be with?” “He’s close enough for now.” “Do you think he’d be upset to know that he’s just a proxy for the relationship you actually want?” “He would — so, I wouldn’t tell him,” he says, and ta kes a hard g ulp of his drink, his eyes focused on nothing in particular. 7) “Amen,” the baptizer declares, and the question fills my head: if Werner gets to the lowest rung of heaven and knows that he still fell so short of glory, won’t there still be something he’ll want more? How will he contend with that yearning? Will it gnaw on him the way it gnaws on me sometimes? I feel the baptizers right hand on my back, and he pushes me backwards. My knees buckle, I see the ornate ceiling, the whiteclad men watching us from above, the vast space between what we want and what we settle for — and, in proxy for a man caught somewhere between the earth and eternity, the water swallows me.
Nick Mattos can nick@pqmonthly.com. Nick Mattos canbe bereached reached atatnick@pqmonthly.com. pqmonthly.com
ARTS BRIEFS PERSPECTIVES
If you’re reading this right now and there is air moving in and out of your lungs, you need more art in your life. Luckily for you, Not Enough! Queer Music and Arts Festival will be happy to oblige. Running Oct. 19-20, this two-day festival of all-new collaborative music, film, visual art, workshops, and general creativity serves as a challenge to the queer communities to meet new people, engage in projects, and re-define for themselves what contemporary queer culture and expression is all about. This year’s all-ages festival will be held at SMYRC (2450 NE Sandy, Portland), with all proceeds going to benefit the organization; tickets are $5 or more as one can pay, and free to youth under 18. For more information — including volunteer opportunities — check out NotEnoughPDX.tumblr.com. Photographer Robert Adams is an unflinching witness to grand promises sometimes fulfilled and sometimes laid to waste. Acutely sensitive throughout his five-decade career to environmental changes brought on by industrial production, suburban sprawl, and overconsumption, Adams continues to document these transformations while simultaneously searching for beauty in the terrain of the Northwest. “The Question of Hope,” his current exhibition running through Jan. 5 at the Portland Art Museum (1219 SW Park, Portland) features 70 photographs that demonstrate Adams’ reverence for the Western Oregon’s limited natural resources, imploring us to face the politically- and emotionally-charged practice of forest clear-cutting and to seek redemption along the Oregon Coast. Admission is free for members, $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and Macklemore and Ryan Lewis bring handsome hip-hop to the Moda Center on Oct. 22. college students, and free for those under 17; for more information including times, go to PortlandArtMuseum.org. contraire — you yourself shall be the beast if you participate in Thrill the World Portland, the seventh-annual flash-mob performance of the zombie dance from Michael JackIt’s hard to talk about Macklemore and Ryan Lewis coming to the Moda Center at son’s “Thriller” video. To participate, dancers will have to learn the dance ahead of time; the Rose Quarter on Oct. 22 without getting quite distracted by how damn pretty they instructional videos are available on Youtube, and optional practices will be at Fremont both are, so we’ll just say it: oh my gosh, they’re beautiful. They’re also the first indepen- United Methodist Church (2620 NE Fremont, Portland) 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Sundays 6 p.m.-8 p.m. dent act to have a #1 song in 19 years, and have courted both controversy and acclaim Fridays through October 25. The scene will emerge at NE Portland’s Irving Park at 2 p.m. for their unique take on socially-just hip hop. The “Same Love” singer and producer will on Oct. 26, under the supervision of superstar emcee Carla Rossi. For more information be supported by the equally awesome (and handsome) Talib Kweli. Show starts at 8 p.m.; or to register, go to Facebook.com/thrilltheworld.portland or email ttwpdx@gmail.com. for more info and pictures to drool over, check out Macklemore.com. Discover the hidden printing studios, publishers, craft presses, and binderies of the Honor the ones who came and went before us at Lineage: Honoring Ancestry through Central Eastside during Printdustrial, a one-day open studio event on Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-4 Performance and Community on Oct. 25 at Floyd’s Coffee (118 NW Couch, Portland). p.m. Participants will lead themselves on a map-led tour of studios including Pinball PubPresented by DieAna Dae and Kaj-Anne Pepper, this evening of performance and offer- lishing, Hidden Portland, Streetcar Press, Magnetic North, and more. To get your map, ings pays tribute to the queer and personal ancestry that has paved the road that we walk swing down to the Independent Publishing Resource Center (1001 SE Division, Portland) today inspired us to keep moving forward as individuals and as a community. The Face- or grab it online at IPRC.org/calendar/printdustrial before Nov. 1. book event for this night included perhaps the most sublimely Portland passage ever read, so we present it in its entirety and glory: “There will be a working ‘altar’ on stage where In 2012, Max Voltage dreamed of creating an original musical inspired by the gaymazyou may place photos or items that have belonged to a personal and/or queer ances- ing awesomeness that was the Homomentum cabaret series. With this vision, Max won tor that you have felt inspired or supported by. Please do not bring things that belong to a RACC Project Grant to fund the creation of “Homomentum: the Musical” — and now, someone who is alive, unless that person is you, and the item previously belonged to the a year and a half later, they have a complete script, a soundtrack, a fabulous cast of local person you are honoring… THIS SPACE IS NOT A FREE PILE! Please don’t pick up things performers, and a performance that they’re ready to share with you! Nov. 15-16, CoHo that are not yours.” That we live in a city in which people need to be reminded that an Theater (2257 NW Raleigh, Portland) presents the queer futurist tale of the ways that art altar is not a free pile is a rather beautiful thing, isn’t it? Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts can change the world; expect much glitter, a few unicorns, and an array of challenging at 8 p.m.; suggested door offering is $4-$10. questions to present themselves for your consideration. Doors open at 7 p.m., curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $10-$20 sliding scale and available online at HomomenDo you think that no one’s going to save you from the beast that’s about to strike? Au tum.BrownPaperTickets.com. For more information, visit PantsOffPDX.com.
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SEE AND BE SEEN We want to see more of you! Do you have photos you’d like to share in the pages of PQ Monthly? Send your photos along with a photo credit and caption to info@pqmonthly.com, post them on our Facebook page, or tag PQ Monthly in them. Featured: 6th Annual Peacock After Dark 2013, Portland AIDS Walk 2013, the ASANA Softball World Series, and Portland Fashion Week 2013.
Photos by Jules Garza, Oscar Foster, Melanie Davis, and Christopher Alvarez, PQ Monthly
34 • October-November 2013
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GOOD LIFE SEETHE AND BE SEEN
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October-November 2013 • 35
THE GOOD LIFE
Cultivating Life MUSIC
WILDLIFE AMONG US
EAT, DRINK, AND, BE MARY TAKE A BITE, AND PASS TO THE LEFT!
By LeAnn Locher
are,” we said to each other. He tapped a few out right in front of me, a sign of declaring his territory to any others in the near vicinIt’s been trying ity. I smiled and said, “It’s all yours.” to get my attenWe live among wildlife, even in the tion. I’ve been city. During changing seasons I think of hearing the loud them as messengers. Perhaps my woodpecking over the pecker friend was telling me he’s keeping past few months, busy because we’re going to have a lot of and what started snow this season, or to protect the tropical a b o u t a b l o c k plants in pots in the garden because temaway is now star- peratures may dip into single digits (for a i n g m e i n t h e change). Let’s hope he wasn’t telling me we face. Literally. I’d recognized the sound of have insects to eat in the exterior boards of a woodpecker and couldn’t spot it. But this our house. past week as I went to my car in the driveIt’s the time of year when elk herds can way, the sound was closer, and soon I dis- be seen on my partner’s commute to work covered, right in front of my face. over Germantown Road in NW Portland. I The large fir tree adjacent to the drive- look forward to the day when she sends me way was hosting what I eventually found to a photo, having pulled over to watch them, be a Northern Flicker, a bird of the wood- awestruck, for a few moments of silence a nd pau se. Ju st a few minutes outside of Portland and between suburbs, majestic elk roam in herds of 20 to 30, catching commuters off guard yet providing moments of wonder. Our Nor t h Por t la nd house sits between two rivers, the Willamette and the Columbia. Our small urban garden lies below the commute of flocks of geese, honk ing as they fly in formation from one river to the other. We are host to r accoon s w ho wash their paws in the backyard fountain and a There’s more to wildlife in this urban garden than the rare running Shih Tzu Maltese. trail of a nighttime bumpecker family. Not hidden high atop the bling possum. Hummingbirds fight in the branches, but precisely at eye level, peck- air and visit the rain chain to take their ing at the trunk while vertically holding on, tiny, frenetic baths. The trellis along our stopping only to eye me as I approached. I fence was built for hosting vines but the stopped short only a few feet away, and it squirrels appreciate it as their own perheld its ground. I was running behind that sonal racetrack. Lately they’ve been scurmorning, but it didn’t matter. To finally see rying with nuts stuffed in their cheeks, the bird I’d been hearing for months was seemingly panicked that the weather is a gift and one I needed to make sure was changing and they best get busy. I’m gratefor real. We both paused, he from pecking ful we’re not in the path of the neighborand me from my busy-ness. It was worth hood skunks. There’s lots of talk on the being late. community Facebook page about coyote The next day I heard him again, this sightings, usually followed by an uptick in time coming from the roof of our house. missing cat announcements. I stopped myself again to find him. As I We are surrounded by wildlife, and I turned back and surveyed the garden, his look to them to remind me that nature head popped up and he eyed me from atop continues on, even if we build among it. our two-story house. “Aah, friend, there you We are in their world, they are not in ours. PQ Monthly
LeAnn Locher dabbles in the home arts and is busy squirrelling away canned goods for the season. Connect with her and other likeminded domestic arts badasses at facebook.com/sassygardener. 36 • October-November 2013
By Brock Daniels PQ Monthly
Crispy buttermilk-battered fried chicken stacked high over sweet potato waffles is a popular wonder. The Jurassic size of this golden anomaly proves that the southern inspiration “everything’s bigger in the South” is in full play. Hot steam bursts out of the tender chicken as you rip through the crackling crust. Syrup drips to coat the creviced dough below, and any worries in the world are put on hold for a few minutes of unadulterated pleasure! In addition to well-versed meat offerings, Saner and Howard share many southern-inspired veggie dishes, like the famous Louisiana Eggs Sardou. Translated Screen Door-style, an English muffin topped with creamed spinach, artichoke hearts, and delicate poached eggs is all topped with house-
Thank god for the caveman who created fire by rubbing two sticks together! I praise the powers-that-be every time I sink my evolved canines into hot, seared animal flesh. In appreciation for those who set the culinary standards before me, I am thankful for modern-day cooking methods and the chefs in our area who bring their focused specialties to the forefront. Chefs Derek Saner and Mathew Howard do just that at Screen Door in Portland. Southern natives Saner and Howard celebrate quintessential hearty southern cuisine every day using the bounties gathered fresh from local sources. The masterminds behind the relaxed Screen Door maintain the connection of a farm to plate concept that is revered here in Oregon. Local providers like Groundwork’s Organics, Viridian Farms, Draper Valley, Carlton Farms, and Creative Growers help show what makes this region special. Screen Door’s menu is a complete exploration of the South. South Carolina low-country cuisine to the spicy soul flavors of New Orleans make dramatic appearances daily. Eight jumbo gulf shrimp that are first sautéed with bacon, garlic, tomato, and white wine sit proudly atop silky smooth creamy grits in the Low Country Shrimp & Grits, which will literally melt in your mouth. In addition to traditional southern sides like cornbread, creamy grits, and butter mashed potatoes with Among Screen Door’s weekend brunch options: Crispy buttermilk-battered fried tasso gravy (think peppery ham chicken stacked high over sweet potato waffles. sauce from the gods), Saner and Howard add crispy fried catfish, thin- made hollandaise. Rich, herbal, and oozing sliced pork chops, and smoked chicken and with morning goodness, the Eggs Sardou Andouille jambalaya to the extras menu, stays on my “order and share” list! rendering decision-making nearly imposFrom the heart of the Deep South to the sible. Pacific Northwest, and from the caveman One word of advice: go with a group of who created fire to gas-plumbed Viking four — be prepared to wait; it’s worth it — ranges, the reason why we eat has never and order a variety of dishes. Take a bite, changed — it tastes good! and pass your plate to the left. Sharing is a Screen Door must. That way you get to enjoy a little bit 2337 East Burnside St., Portland of everything. 503-542-0880 It is sometimes hard to make weekly evening outings happen, but don’t fret. Screen Dinner: Tues.-Sat., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. and Mon., 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Door offers an off-the-menu brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Brunch: Sat. and Sun., 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Brock Daniels, a Pacific Northwest native, has studied wine, culinary arts, gastronomy, and loves researching new food. Brock has written a self-published cookbook titled “Our Year in the Kitchen.” Reach him at brock@pqmonthly.com. pqmonthly.com
THE FUN STUFF
QUEER APERTURE Through his Queer Aperture project, photographer Jeffrey Horvitz has spent years documenting the LGBTQ communities of Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver, B.C. He’s well aware that a picture paints a whole mess of words, but here he offers a few actual words to better acquaint us with his dynamic subjects. What is your name? Rowan Wren How long have you lived in Portland? Five years When did you first notice that gayness existed? I was 4 or 5; I remember lying in bed after my dad said prayers, hoping I wasn’t gay because it was a fate worse than no other. What would you consider a guilty pleasure? The classic cocktail “Blood & Sand”
Photo by Jeffrey Horvitz
You’re having a dinner party of six; whom would you invite? Chelsea Clinton, Katy Perry, Sarah Silverman, Ellen Degeneres, Portia DeRossi, and Sophia Wallace
What would you consider a perfect meal? Any home-cooked meal What would be a perfect day off? Americano at Albina Press, walk, nap with my kitties, and dinner with friends in the backyard Favorite book? “Daring Greatly” Favorite movie? Still searching
What is your profession? Hairdresser at Posh I f yo u c o u l d c h a n g e yo u r profession with the snap of a finger, what would you do? I love what I do. Whom would you like to meet, dead or alive? Oprah, Suze Orman, or Hilary Clinton
Favorite word? Yes Least favorite word? Stuck Favorite swear word? Fuck
For more Queer Aperture visit, queeraperture.com
ASTROSCOPES WITH MISS RENEE Miss Renee aka Tarot Chick is an empath, tarot card reader, and spiritual astrologer of 20 years based out of N. Portland’s Kenton neighborhood. She loves love notes so feel free to holla or schedule a tarot/astrology chart session: that_tarot_chick@yahoo.com. house (work/training, health, habits) requesting you to review your methods there. Being in penetrating Scorpio, this review requires brutal honesty and hard pruning. If it don’t fit, cut it. You’ll root out a better way. A 7th house (Relationships) Venus sweetens everything up re: friends/partnerships/lovers.
Miss Renee aka Tarot Chick. Email her to make an apointment
11 in your 3rd house (Communication/Mental Processing) — yikes! High energy and impulsiveness are full force now, so double check your mouth, impatience, and all correspondence. #IAccidentlySentThatEmailToMyBoss! Libra The Universe provides all you need to turn lemons into lemonade now. Planetary aspects in your 12th house (Subconscious) & 7th house (Relationships/ Partnerships) will likely bring subterranean dissatisfactions/resentments to surface. Good! Pull it all up and out! Additionally, charming Venus glowing in your 3rd house (Communication) lends boosted diplomacy, mediation, and verbal prowess. #HoneyedTongue
Cancer With an “Aha!” full moon in your 10th house (Career/ Public Face), Mercury demanding an honest review of your 5th house (Creativity/Romance), and “Now!” Aries Mars burning through your 3rd house (CommuniOct. 18 = full moon in your sign. Aries represents cation/ Processing), you may need to rewrite/redo/ fiery new starts. Full moons reveal, clarify, give revamp the face you’re showing the world via your full awareness. What new part of yourself are you communication style, personality or artistic expresseeing? Ready to move forward with it? How? Your sion. REEE MIXX! ruler Mars slows and focuses you as it burns its way through picky, precise Virgo . You’re a fiery Leo Scorpio arrow. Aim! Um, how “exactly” are you going to afford your 2012 was about identity transformation for Scorpio. plans? Leo’s been on FIYAH! for months and this Echoes of that return with Mercury (Communication/ Taurus next leg requires some nitty gritty planning. Luck- Processing) in review mode in your 1st house (IdenA revealing full moon in the 12th house (subconily Mars in detail- oriented Virgo helps you take a tity/Persona). Are you happy with what/who you see scious) plus Mars burning its way through your 5th detailed look as it cruises through your 2nd house in the mirror? How are you projecting yourself? How/ house (Romance/Creativity) times your ruler Venus of Finance/Value systems. Side note: Mercury may where does your image hinder/help your choices in “namasteing” her way through the 8th house of Pure rework your living sitch somehow. friends & dreams? Revamp, shed, climb. Meta minus Mercury going retrograde and asking you to review your relationships equals showing Virgo Sagittarius you what makes you tick. Like ... HARD. Get and Oct./Nov. starts to feel like you’ve been given an Yep, hang that Do Not Disturb sign cuz your ish is Stay flexible. assignment involving a fast car and instructions in gettin’ stirred right now. Planetary action in your
that_tarot_chick@yahoo.com
Gemini Your ruler, Mercury, retrogrades Oct. 21 in your 6th pqmonthly.com
cess some wheres, whys, hows and find the balance between head and heart. Ironically, Venus is simultaneously giving you charm/beauty fah dayyys! #sighpopular Capricorn Key word: Triggered. Hidden/repressed romantic and/or creative urges bubble up to the surface as a friend (with benefits?) triggers them into consciousness. Um ... YUM! You may see an aspect of a person/talent/ goal that you didn’t notice before but is now hi-def. Even, for some, to the point of re-evaluating personal philosophy. Aquarius Charming artful Venus dances through your 11th house (Friends/Groups/Goals) attracting people to you like bees to honey. Meanwhile, Mercury in review mode in your 10th house (Career/Public Image) has you possibly trying to find a new groove in those areas. A great time to try on different faces and get loved up!
Pisces Feel like you lost the big picture somewhere? Planetary action asks that you pause and re-visualize some who/what/where. Creating a new life philosophy, revisiting a place/time in your past could be necessary. Luckily Mars heating up your 7th house (relaa foreign language. Your ruler Mercury (Communi- 12th house (Subconscious) and your 5th house tionships) gives you a social life boost with friends/ cation/Mental Processing) retrogrades Oct. 21-Nov. (Romance/Creativity) pull you inward as your pro- lovers fun it out with. October-November 2013 • 37
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