Nothing but Lesbians - p.4 Queer Revival - p.10 Let the queerness cleanse your soul
Jumpy Cops - p.22
Meet the new team behind Law enforcement’s deadly cocktail Proud Queer Monthly of bias, fear impulse, and guns
PROUD QUEER
The Renaissance Edition
PQMONTHLY.COM
JULY 2017
PROUD QUEER
JULY 2017 2 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
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EDITORIAL
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When I hear the word Renaissance, my mind is instantly flooded with visions of cherubs and memories of my art professors waxing poetic about the genius of Da Vinci. But like most stories that have been told and retold, what we think of as the Renaissance movement is actually more complicated than the version most of us know. In my schooling the Renaissance was neatly packaged and spoon fed to me as a specific time in history marking the rebirth of European culture after the dark ages, and bringing in ideas of individualism, rationality, and secularism. The Renaissance is largely considered to have happened during the 15th and 16th century, when in actuality it spans a roughly 300year period. That’s older than the United States as we know it. Additionally, the ideas, architecture and art of the Renaissance were only accessible to the very wealthy, having virtually no effect on the lower and middle class. I was also led to believe it was the Italians who spawned the Renaissance by pulling themselves up by their own boot straps. It wasn’t until I began my research for this edition that I realized this was not the case at all. In fact, without the financial and intellectual contributions of the Islamic empire there would be no Renaissance. In the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire was the cultural and economic powerhouse of the region, conducting trade and greatly influencing Renaissance scholars via assisting the European world in rediscovering Greek and Roman aesthetics, literature and architecture. The basic notions and stereotypical ideas of what the renaissance is has been filtered through the lense of colonialism and white supremacy. Contributions from people of color have been and continue to be downplayed. In a way, I feel a little betrayed by my college professors. One may have to dig a bit deeper, but the narrative of the greatness of people of color are out there. Yes, the Renaissance was an amazing time of intellectualism and amazing art, but its creators did not act alone. No great movement exists as an island to itself. We must take the time to zoom out and acknowledge that for better or worse our histories are intertwined, and no rebirth can happen without first knowing who led us here in the first place. And that’s what I want this edition to convey. That the history and ideas of renaissance are expansive, complicated and diverse. For every whitewashed telling of history, there is an undercurrent of black and brown artist and great thinkers who have contributed greatly to our world and continue to do so. I encourage future generations to continue to dig deeper and listen to the story of our ancestors. Learn from our histories and use them as building blocks. Only then will we truly see rebirth, revival and reclamation.
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WHAT YOU’LL FIND INSIDE:
Cleansing Lesbians.................................... Page 4 Renaissance of Humanity........................... Page 6 Rebirth, Revival & Reclamation................... Page 10
Can You Tame a Racist Scaredy Cat?........................ Page 14 Portland Pride 2017 Recap Photos.......................... Page 16 The Cost of Dina Costa’s Bigotry….......................... Page 22 AND MORE! JULY 2017 • 3 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
VOICES
Babes in Queerland Cleansing Lesbians By Bonnie Lain
On April 21st, I began a lesbian media cleanse. For two weeks I only consumed media with lesbians as the main characters. TV, music, books. Everything was just LESBIANS. There’s a bit you need to know to understand why I did this cleanse and needed it so much. I grew up in a very Christian conservative house, mostly in towns where gay people virtually didn’t exist. I didn’t meet an out queer until we moved to a town an hour south of Seattle. I accepted that I like girls when I was 13. I’d known for longer, but I’d kept hoping it would just go away. Compulsive heterosexuality hurt me until I finally embraced my full on lesbian status at 17. I came out to my mom one week before my 18th birthday on May 6th. I’d been planning coming out to her for five years and when it finally got closer, I realized I needed a way to fortify myself.
“
Television and movie creators seem to believe gay women either don’t exist or spend their entire lives in sexual drama.
That’s when I came up with the idea for a lesbian cleanse. It was frustrating at first because it made me take a closer look at how little accessible lesbian media there is. I had a breakdown at the library because I couldn’t find any books with gay characters even when the librarian helped me. I’d combed the aisles for over two hours and couldn’t stop myself from having a public panic attack. I wanted this cleanse to help me remember I’m not the only lesbian, but it had just reminded me that LGBTQ+ representation is still rare and taboo. From books I turned to fan fiction, and yes, I know how horrifying that is. But in my years of existing on the internet I’d stumbled across a lesbian fanfic or two and honestly I was desperate. I don’t know where all the gay fanfic writers went, but I couldn’t find anything across three different fanfic sites. Luckily one of my closest lesbian friends saved the day and sent me over 60 links with lesbian stories. Which, real quick, shout out to webcomics for being so gay. With plenty of exciting new lesbian reading material to take with me everywhere, I turned to TV. I didn’t expect much, but I had a team of five lesbians to help me compile a list. Obviously, I started with The L Word. I really don’t know how I made the five years I was out to myself without watching it, but the time had finally come. I made it halfway through season three before crapping out and desperately needing something happier and less problematic. Television and movie creators seem to believe gay women either don’t exist or spend their entire lives in sexual drama. I’m all for a good raunchy drama, but it gets old fast and I just want to see some happy lesbian love, dammit. This was when I finally gave in and broadened my horizons to include gay men. I just needed to see absolutely any protagonist who was gay. I found a show based in Australia called Please Like Me. It centered around a young gay white man who is absolutely clueless and his journeys through the world. It dealt with some dark stuff but kept things mostly comedic and cute which made it easy to stomach. Despite the obstacles in my search for queer media, this cleanse helped me more than I thought possible. I was able to come out with a feeling of normality around my sexuality. Coming out to my mom went badly, but I was able to stand my ground and be proud of being queer. Of course, I consumed a lot of really awful lesbian media. Badly written fanfic, lesbian shows obviously made by straight men, and lesbian dynamics that just made me sad. But I also created a shield for myself and decided that I want to write more queer stories to put out into the world so LGBTQ± kids can find relatable characters. In conclusion, straight men need to gtfo of creating lesbian media, there seriously needs to be more healthy lesbian couples shown in the media, and queer women are absolutely incredible. JULY 2017 4 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
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HOROSCOPE
LOCAL
Star Trends By Robert McEwen
Summer Solstice Summer Solstice is here on June 20th. The Summer Solstice is the first day of summer. Sun will be in Cancer June 20–July 22nd. A time of warm fertile weather for things to keep growing from spring! Nurture anything or anyone you love. Use your feminine energies now. You will notice with this water element, which is emotion, you will be feeling emotionally on a deeper level. Moods and personal security is important. Finances will be a focus. Invest your feelings into all that you consider doing in all areas of your life now. You can create your own ritual around it. Something very emotional and nurturing like the sign of Cancer is. Fertility: you are ripe for pregnancy in consciousness. Everything can be loved and nurtured like a baby or new creation you are bringing into expression. Be receptive and sensitive. Listen to what is needed for yourself, lover and situation. What is it telling you it needs? Use some water in your ritual because Cancer is a water sign. The Moon is connected to the sign of Cancer so this is a double dose of Goddess Energy! Women gather at this time to celebrate Mothering Goddess energy. Pagan rituals as well as other cultures indicate the use of this feminine energy. Different signs are impacted differently. Sexual receptivity or self-acceptance is best focused on. Having “sexual pleasure” must be received and this process can be passionate, loving and full of erotic joy. Secrets in sex vary from secret sex with someone that is taboo in social mores, or secret kundalini and tantric sex. Third eye and Crown chakra can open too! And sexual blissful pleasures are often responsible for so much shame, trauma, and pain due to puritanical repression, fear and guilt in its many ways down through the ages. One place to begin searching for an answer to these questions lies in identifying the fundamental, seemingly irreconcilable differences between masculine and feminine sexuality. Those differences swiftly become apparent in the bedroom. Where your Mars is in your chart, the house, the sign, and if aspected lays out the expression of your passions. Venus will dictate your love feelings and expressions. What placement are they in your chart? Where are they in your lovers? This is the Cosmic Aphrodisiac you may need. Remember motherly feminine energy is very much needed in romance, so Cancer Sun will be operating in love. Robert McEwen has read over 5,000 charts in the 35 years he has done professional companionship charts. How does your Mars and Venus aspect your lovers? Has your sex life been passionate, loving and joyous? Find out where your Moon is in your chart: sign, house and aspects to other planets. For your “Moon, Mars and Venus” consultation call 503- 706-0396. Text your birth info there too. $75 for a one-hour phone or Skype session. Payment through Paypal. com.
Robert McEwen, H.W., M Available for astrology readings at robbystarman@aol.com phone: 503 706-0396 pqmonthly.com PQMONTHLY.COM
JULY 2017 • 5 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
HOROSCOPE
VOICES
Renaissance Of Humanity By Suzanne Deakins
A small revolution, a renaissance has been happening since humanity landed on the moon. For the first time we had a collective consciousness, knowing we were not earth bound but truly of the stars. Thus began a wave of consciousness enlightenment where we are literally being able to restart our humanity with a new sense of identity. We are no longer earth bound or bound by a canon that says we must obey ancient rules and beliefs, which has caused wars, devastation of large sections of humanity, and cruelty at all levels. As much as we have come to see we have free will and no longer need to obey strict father rules in our spiritual and daily lives, we have also come to see that we are part of a great unbounded whole. Some place in the far reaches of consciousness, at the moment of conception; our conscious mind is seeded with the connection to all life as well as the infinitude of existence. Our umbilical cord is attached to all life—plant, animal, and simple organism, etc. We share common genetic codes, in most cases at least 70-95%. This means, to me, that we cannot undo our connection to life. We are being reborn into our universe in a renaissance time where we have the opportunity to understand being human in a whole new manner. We are now in a position to understand we are one with all life, manifesting in infinite variety as individuals. For the first time we can begin to think in a deductive manner. We are aware of axioms and the importance of Truth and syllogistic reasoning based on axiomatic premises. In non-philosophical terms this means we have the ability to think in terms of facts that are so no matter where you are (such as 2 + 2=4 is always so). Our reasoning and thinking are no longer based on old prejudices, beliefs, and fears. Thinking abstractly and critically does not preclude using our intuition. We have the ability to go beyond our perceptions based on old beliefs, rules, and dogmas. This means we are free to create a renaissance of community, caring, and our identity. No longer bound by inductive reasoning, where we assume things are a certain way because of our beliefs and prejudices; we are free of the shackles of the strict father rules. Inductive reasoning assumes we are different and separate from other beings. This false reasoning can cause us to lack empathy for all life. A good example of inductive reasoning is the proposed travel ban. Assuming all people from the banned countries are terrorist. When we think inductively we make assumptions that are not based on facts. A renaissance, a birth, is always bloody and filled with pain. This past year is a very good indication that as a community, a country, and hopefully a world, we cannot keep a watershed of the old as the new comes. The pain and fear we all feel from time to time is all a part of the new birth. Those not connected to our community as participants or allies will still be forced into a birth. Once the birth begins it cannot be put on hold. There seems to be a cosmic intention that is pushing us forward through the pain and fear. We are being pushed toward a new concept of humanity. Awakened to, as the Chinese say, “human who walks among the stars.” This renaissance is bringing a new love to all that exist. This was never more apparent than it was watching the faces of the families and children along the parade route of our Pride Parade. Children and family that know they are whole, complete, and love. The route was filled with individuals who were conceived in love, grew in love, and bring the message to all that would see and know in their hearts. In this we become inclusive in all that we experience and do. It is time for us all to think with our hearts and feel with our minds.
“
A renaissance, a birth, is always bloody and filled with pain.
Suzanne Deakins, Ph.D. is a publisher (One Spirit Press and The Q Press) and author. Her books may be found on amazon.com. She teaches seminars on straight thinking and ontology, as well as Radical Forgiveness. She maybe reached at theqpress@ gmail.com. Watch for her new blog site www.a.small.revolution2017.com will be available soon. JULY 2017 6 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
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JULY 2017 • 7 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
CALENDAR
1
Portland Queer Comedy Festival
PDX Latinx Pride Festival 2017
2
focusing on identifying personal risks, assessing situations for elements of danger, and exploring options for dealing with the threat of violence. Tuesday, July 11, 6:45–9 pm at McMenamins Kennedy School Gymnasium, 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland. Free admission, all ages welcome (minor with parent or guardian). More info at http://bit.ly/2qXxy6E.
N Mississippi Ave, Portland. Free admission, all ages welcome. More info at www.facebook.com/ events/1911815042424872.
Portland Queer Comedy Festival is the first multi-day, multi-venue, queer-performer focused comedy festival in the US; produced by Belinda Carroll and Andy Barrett of Funhouse Lounge. This festival will involve comics from all walks of the LGBTTIQQ2SA alphabet, featuring five stages with a whopping 25 shows at Funhouse Lounge, Curious Comedy Theater, Crush Bar, and Ford Food and Drink. Check out the full lineup and schedule at portlandqueercomedyfestival.com! Thursday, July 13–Sunday, July 16 at multiple venues in Portland. Passes $20–135, volunteer options also available for free entry. More info at portlandqueercomedyfestival. com.
TOP PICKS
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Fat/Queer/Trans Lifting 101 Queer Babes Brunch: A Pop-Up
Brunch by Katie Hoyt, music by Mimi Naja. Coffee, beer, food, friendship. Family friendly, pet friendly, and there’s a photo booth! Proceeds from Kind Coffee benefit Outside In. Sunday, July 9, 2–5 pm at Kind Coffee, 4255 SE Belmont St, Portland. Free admission, all ages welcome. More info at www.facebook.com/events/132161130690860.
Arresting Power Benefit Screening
Arresting Power: Resisting Police Violence in Portland, Oregon documents the history of conflict between the Portland police and community members. The film features personal stories of resistance told by victims of police misconduct, the families of people who were killed by police, and members of Portland’s reform and abolition movements. All proceeds go to the Portland chapter of the NAACP. Sunday, July 9, 7:30–9:30 pm at Leaven Community Center, 5431 NE 20th Ave, Portland.
Workshop: Racial Microaggression in Clinical Practice
Racial microaggressions are the result of unconscious or implicit bias that seeps into interactions with marginalized people. This one-day training by El Programa Hispano Católico and Catholic Charities of Oregon will support clinicians in recognizing and stopping implicit bias that affects the way in which they engage in clinical practice with clients of color. Monday, July 10–Wednesday, July 12 (same workshop repeated all three days), 9 am–3 pm at Catholic Charities of Oregon Clark Family Center, 2740 SE Powell Blvd, Portland. Tickets $150 at www.classy.org/events/-/e130007.
Protecting Yourself Physically and Emotionally in Trying Times Recent events have made personal safety an issue of importance for everyone, but especially for Women of Color. Join Race Talks’ speaker panel for a discussion JULY 2017 8 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
If you’ve ever wanted to learn to lift but worried that your body or gender would not be respected and celebrated— this is your chance. It’s a group class environment (8 people limit). COME. Take up space, and share widely Thursdays, July 13, 20 and 27, 11 am at Fat Chance Coaching, inner SE Portland. Email lacyisripped@ gmail.com to reserve your spot. More info at www. facebook.com/events/2339929422899708.
White Artists Don’t Have to Make Work About Racial Identity
This exhibition by Los Angeles based artist Rakeem Cunningham navigates the ways in which desire, oppression, humanization, sympathy, self-hate, and emotional apathy are imposed on queer black men through the media, family, romance, and false narratives of hyper-masculinity. Reception Friday, July 14, 6–8 pm at White Gallery, 1825 SW Broadway, Portland. Free admission. More info at www.facebook.com/ events/238020400030498. Exhibition on display weekday afternoons July 5–July 28.
Queer Words
Come armed with your stories and poetry and join Oregon State Bootblack 2017 Eric Windham for an afternoon of Open Mic stories and poetry readings performed by members from all areas of our community...maybe even YOU. Net proceeds will be donated to the Equi Institute. Saturday, July 15, 3–6 pm at Crush Bar, 1400 SE Morrison St, Portland. $10 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds.
1st Quarterly PDX Trans & Queer Clothing Swap!
Please join us for the first quarterly Portland, Oregon area clothing swap for our amazing trans and queer community! The event aims to be a welcoming, safer space for everyone within our beautiful LGBTQIA+ community, from across the gender spectrum. Saturday, July 22, 10 am–3 pm at Q Center, 4115
A festival for everyone who wants to celebrate Latino, Latina, Latinx, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride. Bring your friends, family and allies and join us for food, drinks, dancing, exhibits, and allday entertainment! And make sure you check out the other Latinx Pride events happening this month at www.pdxlatinxpride.org. Saturday, July 22, 4 pm–12 am at District East, 2305 SE 9th Ave, Portland. $5 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds. Cash-only bar for 21+. More info at www. facebook.com/events/215125399006251.
Suds & Studs Charity Carwash
Come join Oregon Bears and the Q Center for a wet and wild time with fuzzy, friendly guys and our annual Suds & Studs Charity Carwash. For a small donation, you can get your car washed and dried by our smoking hot volunteers. Proceeds to benefit the Q Center and Oregon Bears. Saturday, July 22, 11 am–3 pm at Q Center, 4115 N Mississippi Ave, Portland. $10 suggested donation.
Free Summer BBQ!
Join People’s Food Co-p and Organically Grown Company in the courtyard for a free summer barbecue! We’ll have tons of grilled veggies on hand, plus Tofurky dogs and an ample condiment spread. There’s no catch: we just want to give you free food and have a fun summer time! Saturday, July 22, 12–3 pm at People’s Food Co-op, 3029 SE 21st Ave, Portland. Free admission, all ages welcome.
Portland Zine Symposium 2017
Portland’s annual free conference and zine social explores facets of independent publishing and DIY culture, hosts over 150 exhibitors from around the world, and features free workshops, panels and discussions. Don’t miss this all ages community event! Saturday, July 22–Sunday, July 23 at Jade/APANO Multicultural Space (JAMS), 8114 SE Division St, Portland. Free admission, ADA accessible. More info at www.portlandzinesymposium.org.
American Revolutionary: A Free Community Film Screening
Join APANO for a screening and discussion of American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs, which tells the inspiring story of a Chinese American activist rooted for more than 70 years in the African American movement. This film will be followed by a panel featuring members of Black Lives Matter Portland, AllAfrican People’s Revolutionary Party, Washco Solidarity, Dont Shoot Portland, and Portland Asians4BlackLives. Tuesday, July 25, 5:30–8 pm at North Portland Library, 512 N Killingsworth St, Portland. Free admission, all ages welcome. RSVP at apano.salsalabs.org/ americanrevolutionary/index.html. pqmonthly.com PQMONTHLY.COM
CALENDAR
3 GOOD TIMES
VOICES
Body-Positive Open Swim Hang for Womxn/ Femmes/NB/Queer/Trans Folk
No. invites womxn/femmes/nb/queer/trans folk to come swim, paddle, float or splash! We will try to have at least one swim instructor at this family-friendly event, for folks who are interested in learning. This event coincides with the public open swim time at Columbia Park, so there will be members of the public there. Wednesday, July 12, 7–8:30 pm at Columbia Pool, 7701 N Chautauqua Blvd, Portland. Admission $4.25, youth entry $3.25. More info at www.facebook.com/events/195057071021484.
¡Duro! – So Hard! Dance Party
PDX Latinx Pride, QT Latinx, and Temp Lez Bar invite you to a dance party dedicated to female-aligned, women, trans, gender non-conforming identities and their allies. Kick off Latinx Pride 2017 with $6 margaritas and DJ sin Nombr3 bringing us those Latinx beats, along with some surprise entertainment (bring your dollar bills)! Thursday, July 13, 8 pm–12 am at Crush Bar, 1400 SE Morrison St, Portland. No cover, 21+ only.
Cat-Tacular Variety Show
Join us for a PURRFECT evening celebrating everything we love about cats! Featuring internet cat rapping sensation Moshow the Cat Rapper, Portland’s favorite drag clown Carla Rossi, the Pelvis of Justice Maggie McMuffin, Grumpy Cat/Nyan Cat impersonator Sophie Maltease, cat loving birthday girl Hyacinth Lee, and obvious crazy cat lady Baby LeStrange. Saturday, July 22, 8 pm–12 am at Kelly’s Olympian, 426 SW Washington St, Portland. Tickets $20 in advance at http://bit.ly/2sgn9kA, $25 at the door. More info at www.facebook.com/events/1691612721133806.
Open Skate Hang for Womxn/Femmes/NB/ Queer/Trans Folk
No. invites womxn/femmes/nb/queer/trans folk to come skate or learn to skate in a non-judgmental environment! There will be one or two instructors available for support. People of all skill levels—including beginners—are welcome. Let’s take over the park! Friday, July 28, 4–8 pm at Pier Park, N Bruce Ave and N James St, Portland. More info at www.facebook. com/events/838427502987676.
Monthlies and Weeklies
Dykes on Bikes Bingo Fundraiser
First card free, $3 cards after. Happens the first Tuesday every month. First Tuesday, 6–8 pm at Crush Bar, 1400 SE Morrison St., Portland.
Last Wednesgays
Get through hump day with a bonus LGBTQ drink or two. This hip, rustic-industrial hangout offers a patio, fireplaces, and ping-pong. Last Wednesdays, 6–9 pm at Century, 930 SE Sandy Blvd, Portland. Free admission, 21+ only.
Amateur Night
Amateur night in the main bar hosted by the gorgeous Godiva DeVyne. Interested dancers should arrive by 8:45 p.m. Wednesdays at Stag PDX, 317 NW Broadway, Portland. Free, 21+ only.
Throwback Thursdays
Throwback Thursday hosted by the always fashionable Drexler. The house DJ spins the best pop, hip hop, and R&B hits of the 80s, 90s, and 00s. Thursdays at Stag PDX, 317 NW Broadway, Portland. Free admission, 21+ only.
Burlesque S’il Vous Plait Gay Skate Chunky Dunk PDX – July 2017
Come rock out with your rolls out! Chunky Dunk is a fat, QPOC & (a)gender affirmative non-profit organization that focuses on providing safer shamefree swimming for every BODY! We have reserved time at the Peninsula Pool for a private party. Please invite your body positive friends! Saturday, July 15, 6:30–8 pm at Peninsula Swimming Pool, 700 N Rosa Parks Way, Portland. $5 suggested donation (cash only), no one turned away for lack of funds. All ages event. More info at www. facebook.com/events/1443224869068539.
Noche de Arte: Pochas Radicales
Join PDX Latinx Pride for our Pride weekend opening reception featuring art by LGBTQI2SA+ Black and Indigenous People of Color, followed by a show by las Pochas Radicales. Friday, July 21, 6–9:30 pm at Q Center, 4115 N Mississippi Ave, Portland. $10 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds.
Come join PQ Monthly for our monthly Gay Skate night. Gay skate happens the 3rd Monday of every month. Third Mondays, 7–9 pm at Oaks Amusement Park, 7805 SE Oaks Pkwy, Portland.
Legendary Mondays
Every Monday, Bart Fitzgerald curates one of the most refreshing events of the week. If you make it through a Monday, you deserve to attend. Music by Dubblife. Mondays, 9 pm–2 am at Swift Lounge, 1932 NE Broadway St. Portland. Free and open to the public, 21+ only.
Stag Karaoke Mondays
Weekly karaoke night for the queer community. Mondays at Stag PDX, 317 NW Broadway, Portland. Free, 21+ only.
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Bronco Night at Stag
Every first Saturday is Bronco, a sexy men’s night in Portland and across the U.S. at men’s clubs. Enjoy beefy bearded dancers, great tunes, photo booths, and sexy visuals! First Saturdays, 9 pm–2 am at Stag PDX, 317 NW Broadway, Portland. $6 before 10 pm, $10 after; doors at 9 pm. 21+ only.
Pants Off Dance Off
Body positive, bare-as-you-dare dance party that happens every first Saturday of the month. First Saturdays, 9 pm at Crush Bar, 1400 SE Morrison St., Portland. $7 cover, clothes check included.
Testify Brunch
Testify Brunch hosted by the fabulous Alexis Campbell Starr. Show starts at 12:30 pm. Sundays, 11 am–3 pm at Stag PDX, 317 NW Broadway, Portland. Free admission.
CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
EveryBODY DIY Body Positive Strip Club! Virgin Night!
In honor of First Timers, it’s VIRGIN NIGHT! If you’ve been wanting to perform but haven’t yet, now is your chance! If you have performed before and want to do it again, you can wait until next time OR do a group act with a first timer and help break em in! Friday, July 21, 9 pm–2 am at Dante’s, 350 W Burnside St, Portland. $15 before 11 pm, $20 after. More info at www.facebook.com/ events/146569972568729.
Enjoy a classic burlesque show with a contemporary variety twist every first Friday. First Fridays, 9 pm at Crush Bar, 1400 SE Morrison St., Portland. Doors at 8:30 pm. Admission $12–18.
Bi Bar
Bi, pan, fluid, and queer folks are welcome to come to the monthly Bi Bar event every second Tuesday at Crush Bar. Second Tuesdays, 8–11:30 pm at Crush Bar, 1400 SE Morrison St., Portland. No cover.
Have an event you want considered? Submit your events at calendar@pqmonthly.com. JULY 2017 • 9 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
COVER STORY
Rebirth, Revival and Reclamation: A Queer Renaissance Meet the new team behind Proud Queer Monthly
T
he Renaissance was a period of transformation and renewal, of rediscovering the old in a new light and moving forward into a new age of art, culture and diplomacy. Proud Queer Monthly is in the midst of its own renaissance, with a brand new team shaping the future of our publication. We are drawing from our history as a queer publication here in Portland, learning from the ways we have striven to represent and serve our community in the past; and we have our eyes on the horizon, dreaming of how we can evolve and innovate in the shadow of this dark age. Our new team is bringing fresh ideas and energy to PQ, pushing us to be better than ever, and we couldn’t be more excited to begin this journey of rebirth, revival and reclamation with our amazing community.
JULY 2017 10 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
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Ryn McCoy The Editor W
hen I was nine years old, I won my school’s poetry writing contest. My teacher took me out in the hall and asked me, sternly, if the words had been mine. I was shocked when I realized I was being accused of plagiarism; first, I was indignant that anyone could think I would do something so dishonest, and second, I was hurt that my teacher was implying he did not believe me to be worthy of the words I had produced. It affected me deeply to have the ownership of my words doubted as a child. And at the root of it, this is a common experience for people who are marginalized. We are often not credited for our own work because we are not considered worthy of what we have created, or our work is not seen as “valid” or “valuable” simply because we are the ones doing it. A large part of my job as editor at Proud Queer Monthly is deciding what content will be published—whose words will be put to ink and paper and distributed across the city. This is a great responsibility, and I am determined to use this opportunity to lift up the voices of those who are most often silenced, whose stories are most often untold, who are considered “unworthy.” I believe it is powerful to put our own words—the words of the marginalized—in print, because it is an act of reclamation for us to take space in this medium that has so often been held out of our reach. One of the most important things PQ can do is demonstrate that the most marginalized people of this community are worthy of being recognized and appreciated, and the work we do is worthy of being documented and shared. I want us to see ourselves and our friends and family represented on the pages of our publication; and to turn to PQ as a place to celebrate our many diverse and overlapping communities, to share knowledge and educate one another, and to let one another know we are here, we see you, and you matter.
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We are often not credited for our own work because we are not considered worthy of what we have created.
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JULY 2017 • 11 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
COVER STORY
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Maya Vivas The Art Director
y full name is Maya Linare de Ceano-Vivas. Yes, it’s long, and yes, I’ve heard every mispronunciation under the sun. Names are funny things. Those syllables in that particular order serve as a symbol of who you are. They are deeply tied to identity, hold history and have the potential to make history. I have not always been comfortable with my name, my symbol. It is one that tells the story of immigrant parents and otherness deeply influenced by colonialism. But also a history of great strength and adaptability. I am a queer person of color navigating a society that was not built for my prosperity, but built as a stepping stone for others on the backs of my ancestors. I believe that my need to create comes from a history of thinking creatively, not only as a desire for self expression, but as a desire for survival. I have always been interested in the act of making. Of bringing something new into the world that has yet to exist. Adding something, leaving my mark. This desire inevitably lead me to a career in art and design. Just like a name, art can serve as a symbol that represents much more grand and complex ideas. I believe that art can propel a narrative, begin a conversation and communicate our deepest feelings when words fail us. For PQ, it is my job to marry written word with the visual in order to strengthen the narrative. Ryn and I work closely together to seek out the marginalized voices in our community and uplift them. This a task that I take very seriously. PQ has given me a tremendous opportunity to not only hear and share the stories and ideas of my community, but I have also been gifted with their trust to visually elevate their ideas in a way that stays true to their original concepts. My dream for PQ is that it continues to be a place in media where my community can see themselves reflected. Representation, in mainstream media, while improving with each generation, still leaves a lot to be desired. I will continue to use my strengths as a visual communicator to produce symbols that propel the narratives of my community, for each story is as unique as a name.
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I believe that my need to create comes from a history of thinking creatively, not only as a desire for self expression, but as a desire for survival.
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Miguel Cobian The VP of Marketing H
i, I’m Miguel! I’m the newest member to the PQ Monthly and El Hispanic News teams. I’m from Guadalajara, Mexico and when I was 5 years old, moved to Salem, Oregon so that my family could open up Mexican restaurants. I fondly remember growing up in our state’s capital surrounded by the Hispanic community. Never liking a babysitter, I would sometimes sleep in the corner restaurant booths while my parents were hard at work. I quickly made friends in school by inviting them over to our restaurant—which was close to school—for some free Pepsi and chips and salsa. Growing up, I always liked music and theater (Titanic is still my favorite movie), but as technology became increasingly more accessible, I quickly got hooked on that. I vividly remember seeing the first iMac G3. You might remember them as the “colorful” or “translucent” iMacs. I stared at it like you stare at your first crush—and quickly became a pro at Number Munchers and Oregon Trail. Little did I know—or imagine—that at 18 years old, Apple would recruit me to work for them. During my 5 years at Apple, I learned a lot about aesthetics and technology, but most importantly about how to enrich lives. How do you enrich lives through technology, through software, through experiences, through a photograph, through a story? How do you help someone, an organization or a business achieve their very best using our tools? During this renaissance, the computer was like a bicycle for our brains—allowing us to achieve our very best potential through minimal friction. For PQ, my job is exactly that: to enrich our community members’ lives. I want to help people, organizations and businesses to connect with each other, help each other and enrich each other. Look out for our expanded community outreach efforts coming soon! During this troubling political climate, I hope our publication can help enlighten the minds of the public. Whether you identify as LGBTQ, are a straight ally—or simply don’t know—we want to enrich your life, build connections, and just like during the renaissance, come out more FABULOUS than ever before! Let’s not allow the last 8 years of progress to be rolled back. Reach out to others. Share the love. Get involved. Feel free to shoot me a message anytime at miguel@ pqmonthly.com
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I want to help people, organizations and businesses to connect with each other, help each other and enrich each other.
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JULY 2017 • 13 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
POLITICS
Can You Tame a Racist Scaredy Cat? id-iom via photopin
Increased police training might be one BandAid for a larger systemic bullet wound. By Marissa Yang Bertucci
If you’re down with transformative justice, you believe in a world where community accountability supersedes the need for a police force, for-profit jails, and overcriminalization of marginalized people. You believe that policing has deep roots in racism that pretty much can never be separated, so even so-called “good cops” can’t repair a fundamentally broken system that assigns criminalization to many harms that are produced by a racist and inequitable society. You believe that criminalizing the often inevitable consequences of our society is inhumane and illogical. And yet here we are. With a police force of over 900,000 in the United States and over 1,000 in Portland. We have for-profit prisons and a system that isn’t super interested in reforming itself to imprison or kill fewer people. But with public pressure and genius revolutionary activism calling for increased accountability, we see incremental changes like body cameras on cops. And we are ready for the revolution whenever it comes, but in the meantime, it may do us some good to consider where we specifically ought to be leveraging our calls for improvements. The “fear excuse” is a sensible place to apply pressure. Just up the road in Seattle, on June 18th, Charleena Lyles called the police for assistance with a burglary, and she wielded a knife, presumably to uphold her right to defend herself, her home, and her children with violence if need be. Even if she may have acted “threateningly” toward officers, family members have expressed concerns about her mental health. The Seattle Police statement alleged that both officers were “equipped with less lethal force options.” Later, one of the two officers on the scene, Jason Anderson, would say that he didn’t replace the battery on his taser because he was “a quite slender guy” and doesn’t “have a lot of room for equipment on [his] belt.” So, because Anderson is too damn willowy to want to carry a taser, they shot her with a gun. Five shots were discharged. She was black. Her three younger children were home. They are 11, 4, and 1 years old. Again and again, on the rare occasions when police officers who commit these kinds of acts are actually charged with a crime instead of receiving perfunctory slaps on the wrist and paid administrative leave, they snivel on the stand and say, “I was afraid for my life.” And on those occasions where officers insist that they had reason to believe their JULY 2017 14 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
lives were in danger, these majority-white juries pardon them again and again. They reason, “Well, it’s unfortunate that these victims were black, and it’s unfortunate that they were unarmed or pitifully armed, but if the officer was afraid, they have a right to shoot.” In Philando Castile’s case, the jury acquitted Jeronimo Yanez of all charges, conveying that an officer has a right to shoot a man seven times with his hands visible in the seat of his car. In front of his girlfriend and her four year old child. After the officer asks for his ID. After he tells the officer that he is reaching for his ID. The officer then shot Castile...while he was reaching...for his ID. What is there to fear from a man who was cooperating? Sometimes when I walk to my kitchen late at night for a glass of water, I don’t turn the lights on and I bump into a stray chair. In that moment, I am afraid of the chair. I jump out of my fucking skin and let out a cartoonish gasp. The chair is unexpected, after all. I’ll wager that a moment of fear isn’t the best place to discharge a lethal weapon. I’ll also wager that a world where police are expected to discharge a lethal weapon only after making a calculated assessment of a situation and attempting de-escalation strategies first isn’t too much to ask. Yet the illogical impulse of fear is the fulcrum that law enforcement indictments. This can come as no surprise. Of course the police officers are afraid. Best case scenario, you get a cop who doesn’t think he has overt biases. But when a fight-orflight moment happens, without adequate de-escalation or anti-bias training, the ugly prejudices that provoke fear come out. The Stanford Implicit Association Test, as well as our common sense and basic observational skills, tell us that several hundred years of systemic racism make most folks associate darker skin with danger. This is why racist Aunt Sharon clutches her purse when a black kid on his way to school sits next to her on the MAX. So even the well-intending officer is racist. And the system that didn’t adequately curb that known implicit racism is racist too. In the United States, the average training period for police officers is 16 weeks. Oregon is on par with the national average: 16 weeks to complete State Basic Academy. This is one and a half quarters of class at college. You couldn’t complete Woodworking I and II in the time that we take a nobody off the street, teach them some rudimentary target practice and how to write a speeding ticket, and hand them
a gun. This isn’t even the height of hyperbole. Compared to many other countries, the length and content of American police training is laughable. Germany’s training is at least 130 weeks. The culture of police training heavily discourages ever discharging a weapon, even placing jolly signs that read, “Super shooting! Hope you never have to shoot in real life!” in the target practice rooms. Sure enough, in 2015, German officers fired 8 fatal shots, while the US killed between 975 and 1,186, according to different studies. In Norway, prospective police must attend a three year Police University College getting a specialized bachelor’s degree, spending two years in classes and the last year in field placements. The bulk of theoretical training focuses on preventative measures like conflict management, ethics, and psychology. To even use a weapon, which stays locked in the car instead of on a tool belt, officers need approval from a higher authority. Between 2002 and 2014, Norwegian police killed two people. So, okay, it’s a little like comparing apples and oranges. For one, the US’ culture of citizens owning guns is unique amongst most low-police-fatality countries. For another, it’s incredibly racially and economically homogenous. Maybe if there were a similar history of slavery and criminalization, even the best trained Norwegian police officers would be shooting more often. But maybe mimicking other Norwegian cultural norms— like a system of education and healthcare that allows for a smaller disparity like rich and poor—would help the US, too. Instead of abstractly fretting about the problems in our criminal justice systems, consider focusing your attention on community-based solutions. We can all support efforts and organizations dedicated to closing prisons and weaving more sustainable, humane solutions. The work of prison abolition requires an overhaul of the ways we’ve been programmed to think about why people are criminalized, and what discipline and punishment are purported to accomplish. In Portland, we can look to the leadership of Critical Resistance PDX, Enlace, OPAL, and #DisarmPSU. Seattle’s EPIC (End Prison Industrial Complex) is also doing the work beautifully. And when the revolution comes, be ready. pqmonthly.com PQMONTHLY.COM
POLITICS
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JULY 2017 • 15 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
COMMUNITY
PORTLAND PRIDE 2017 RECAP
Photos by Isabella Barcellona
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COMMUNITY
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LOCAL
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COMMUNITY
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JULY 2017 • 21 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
VOICES
LOCAL
Your LOCAL full-service marketing agency that will connect you with the diverse populations of Oregon and SW Washington
The Cost of Dina Costa’s Bigotry Does Portland’s new sports commentator reflect our values? By Shaley Howard, PQ Monthly
Content warning: screenshots of Tweets featured in this article contain racist hate speech.
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JULY 2017 22 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
As long as I can remember, Oregonians have always been a bunch of tree-huggin’ environmentalists, who are quick to protest social injustice. We’ve always led the way in fighting for LGBT equality and rights in our state and nation. And as one of the few born-and-raised Oregonians my memory goes back a ways. Portland is one of the top LGBT friendly cities in the country, and Oregon boasts the first openly bisexual Governor in the nation, Kate Brown, the first transgender mayor, Stu Rasmussen of Silver Falls, and the first openly gay mayor of a top-30 US city, Sam Adams. We celebrate the outdoors, our biking culture, and recycle like it’s going out of style. Oh right, and we also believe climate change is real which is crazy that in 2017 that’s actually something you have to specify. If Trump has taught us anything, we now know many parts of the U.S aren’t as devoted to social injustice or environmental issues. But we on the “left” coast are proud of who we are and what we stand for. Which brings me to a radio announcer, Dino Costa, who was recently hired by 102.9/750 The Game, an official broadcast partner of the Timbers FC. For those unfamiliar with this man, let me fill you in a bit. Costa has an egotistical, bullying, Rush-Limbaughlike show. As a sports commentator on the radio and social media, his remarks are overwhelmingly homophobic, transphobic, sexist, anti-black, antiimmigrant, and even anti-bike. Now, given the fact that this is Portland, the progressive core of Oregon, why would 102.9/750 the Game (being an official broadcast partner of the TimbersFC) want to bring in such a person? They either failed at vetting him or thought bringing in someone so crude and outlandish would increase ratings. Maybe I’m wrong—there’s always a chance they’re just indifferent to how violent and cruel his commentary can be. But personally I think it’s safe to assume the Timbers and Thorns aren’t on board with Costa’s commentary. My guess
is there’s some sort of contractual agreement with all the stations that broadcast the Timbers and they’re caught between a rock and a hard place. The Timbers have always stood up for LGBT rights and have promoted messages of tolerance and inclusion, while taking a public stance against sexism, homophobia and racism. This is what we love about the Timbers and Thorns—aside from fantastic futbol. I’ve written many blogs on their matches and the camaraderie and diversity they represent. The Timbers, along with the Timbers Army, always stand up against bigotry and defend anyone who needs defending. Hell, I was even on a Timbers billboard! Think about it. I am a big butch lesbian who is often mistaken for a man and they promoted it for all to see. That is a huge statement. They were also the first professional sports team to come out in support of gay marriage in the U.S., and for years they’ve had a “No racism, no sexism, no homophobia. Don’t Cross the Line” video series. I can’t imagine this organization supporting someone like Costa. So where does that leave us? Since the Timbers didn’t directly hire and therefore can’t fire Costa, does that mean we’re stuck with a loudmouth bigot announcing our games? Especially here in Portland where we value tolerance, diversity and a healthy environment? I am a big believer in a person’s right to free speech and that everyone is entitled to their personal and private opinions. But it crosses the line when it’s institutionalized and given a platform to harm so many of us. Costa doesn’t reflect our values and we shouldn’t have to hear his snarky, demeaning, minoritybashing commentary. Should we boycott the radio station or station sponsors? Should we inundate 102.9/750 The Game with phone calls, letters and anti-Costa emails? I don’t know what the solution is. I bet there are many. But whatever happens, the decision will be left to us. Will we abide someone like Costa and in so doing be complicit in the spreading of hateful ideas? Or will we rise up and take action to proclaim loudly that we in the Rose City won’t tolerate intolerance. #RCTID
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INSURANCE
Young Queer Writers: Write for Proud Queer Monthly PQ Monthly wants to feature writers under 21 in our publication!
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PROUD QUEER
Email Ryn McCoy at editor@ pqmonthly.com for more info.
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JULY 2017 • 23 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
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