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RETURNS INSIDE: All about the Fest, Portland German Film Fest, OSF, Governor Kate Brown, Bi Awareness Week, and Much More!
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AUTUMN HAS ARRIVED—AND WITH IT, THE ARTS! Fall, my favorite time of year—not just because of crockpot meals and very charming. When you see her at this year’s fest, make sure to ask her slowly simmering soups, and not because cooler temperatures mean I about Berlin! Being selected for the Teddy Awards is a tremendous honor sweat through far fewer shirts; I love this time of year because it means and we’re so proud of Behrens for representing Portland right! It is with this we’re headed toward some lovely film festivals, plays, and other strictly bigger picture in mind that Behrens & Co. bring you your annual queer fest. art-based endeavors. In other German news, in this issue we’ve also included information on This year’s Portland Queer Film Festival—previously called the Portland this year’s German Film Fest—if you’d like to support independent filmmakers Gay and Lesbian Film Festival—will and see what Behrens has been up to this once again take over Cinema 21, this year. It is so important to throw all our year from October 2 through October 8. support behind these people; they help (I hope you can get the time off work.) nurture the culture around you, and it is The festival —now in its 19th year—is no easy feat to put on an event like this. the harbinger of autumn, gently usherThough it would be easy to do (you ing us into some of our city’s drearier have no idea how easy), this issue isn’t months. The dedicated architects of wholly focused on the arts. PQ’s Shaley the cinematic celebration work yearHoward got a chance to sit down with round to cement each year’s lineup— and chat with out Oregon Governor and they never fail to impress. A very Kate Brown, and she talks about her loud and public thank you, Yvonne experiences as the second female goverBehrens and Gabriel Mendoza, for your nor—and the first openly queer (Brown years of service, passion, and creativity. is bisexual) governor in the nation. This year, as is customary for the This issue examines Bi Awarefest, covers a wide spectrum of queer ness Week, as PQ aims to continue to life; in particular, its closing night combat bi erasure in our LGBT alphafilm, Out to Win, presses boundaries, bet (hint: you should also check out and will be beloved by every athlete Bi Bar at Crush). We speak to a lesin the city. Out examines the lives of What’s important to note about the fest, too, is festival co-curator, Yvonne Behrens, fourth from right, was bian breast cancer survivor about queer athletes like Jason Collins, Brit- honored this year at the 65th annual Berlin Film Festival. the challenges navigating our health tney Griner, Billie Jean King, Billy Bean, care system—and cancer—as a queer Martina Navratilova, and many more. You can read all about this year’s person. We chat with the folks behind The Equi Institute, which has been excellent choices on page 4; it is a jam-packed schedule filled with fasci- changing the landscape of Trans and Queer healthcare in Portland for sevnating, entertaining films. eral years now, teaching Trans-competent seminars for healthcare providWhat’s important to note about the fest, too, is festival co-curator, ers and staff, training Naturopath and Medical students, going toe-to-toe Yvonne Behrens, was honored this year at the 65th annual Berlin Film Fes- with insurance companies and local hospitals, and providing free wellness tival. Behrens was asked to be on the independent jury for the 29th Teddy clinics for Trans and Genderqueer patients without insurance. This is very Awards, which is an international film award for films with LGBT topics, important stuff. And it’s just the tip of the queer iceberg—this issue also presented by an independent jury as an official award of the Berlin fest features Border Riders, Breakfast on Pluto, and much more. (called the Berlinale). As always, we aim to bring you diverse, compelling content—that This year, Behrens watched as prolific German film director Wim spans as far across the queer spectrum as our pages allow. We’re comWenders, whose career has spanned more than four decades, was pre- mitted to it, because, as Governor Brown says, “You can’t be what sented with the prestigious Honorary Golden Bear, and the Special Teddy you can’t see”—and we know, as queer folks, that is the gospel truth. Award for Artistic Lifetime Achievement was given to Udo Kier; Behrens --Daniel Borgen rubbed elbows with these film juggernauts, and she tells us they were both
A SMATTERING OF WHAT YOU’LL FIND INSIDE:
contributing writers
TJ Acena, Marco Davis, Gula Delgatto, Andrew Edwards, Leela Ginelle, Sossity Chiricuzio ,Shaley Howard, Konrad Juengling, Richard Jones, LeAnn Locher, Michael James, Monika MHz, Miss Renee, Katey Pants, and, of course, your PQ Editorial Team
ON THE COVER
Get Your Queer Film Fest On...........................................................Page 5 PQ in Ashland, and OSF...................................................................Page 6 CAP Gets big PrEP Grant.................................................................Page 9 Bi Awareness Week.........................................................................Page 10 Pot is legal and pot is here.............................................................Page 11 PQ Chats with Gov. Brown..............................................................Page 15
503.228.3139
Your Autumn To-Do List, Our Calendar..........................................Page 16
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The Equi Institute and its Q Center Partership..............................Page 18 Border Riders Ride through Fall.....................................................Page 28
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This year’s cover is brought to you by the Queer Film Festival, which runs from Oct. 2 through 9 at Cinema 21. Opening night’s film, which graces our cover, is Eisenstein in Guanajuato, a film that explores the mind of a creative genius facing the desires and fears of love, sex, and death through ten passionate days. Get thee to the theater!
Plus: Breakfast on Pluto, German Film Fest, Bi Awareness Week, Bi Brigade, Queer Breast Cancer Survivors, The Secret Life of Summer Seasons, Turn a Look, Queer Heroes, ID Check, This Ends Badly, The Lady Chronicles, Embody, and much more! Not seeing what you’d like to see? Email Daniel@PQMonthly.com. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 • 3
FEATURE
PORTLAND’S QUEER FILM FEST RETURNS!
“Fourth Man Out,” a lighthearted and unexpectedly subversive comedy about coming out of the blue-collar closet.
Queer Film Fest Schedule Fri., October 2: Opening Night 7:00 p.m. Eisenstein in Guanajuato Sat., Oct. 3 2:30 p.m. Work in Progress Screening: Millionaire Man 5:00 p.m. In The Turn 7:00 p.m. In With the New Out 9:00 p.m. Fourth Man Out Sun., Oct. 4 Noon Web Series Workshop 3:00 p.m. Deep Run 5:00 p.m. Boy Meets Girl 7:00 p.m. S&M Sally 9:00 p.m. Guidance Mon., Oct. 5 7:00 p.m. Two 4 One 9:00 p.m. Stories of our Lives Tue., Oct. 6 7:00 p.m. While You Weren’t Looking 9:00 p.m. Upstairs Inferno Wed., Oct. 7 7:00 p.m. Liz in September 9:00 p.m. Those People Thur., Oct. 8: Closing Night 7:00 p.m. Out to Win In attendance: Billy Bean, Conner Mertens, and director Malcolm Ingram 4 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
By Daniel Borgen, PQ Monthly
many amazing journalists, activists, emerging young athletes, fans and sports professionals about their experiences and the past and Each and every year, we eagerly await Portland’s Queer Film present state of things for professional gay and lesbian athletes. Festival—formerly the Gay and Lesbian Film Fest—and our love Conner Mertens, Billy Bean, and most likely the film’s director will is twofold: it’s one part seeing queers of all stripes lined up and be in attendance. wrapped around city blocks, down 21st Avenue, then Irving Street, The rest of the lineup: opening night, big-city-style. The other part is our genuine love for In With the New Out: How the internet became the prime desstorytelling and cinema—it’s our chance to see our stories on the tination for the best in LGBT storytelling. In the past few years, as big screen; it’s also an opportunity to challenge our perspectives people have begun to cut the cord on cable television and look and learn from each other. (And this year’s schedule is so impres- for alternate methods of scripted entertainment, the number of sive on paper, imagweb series being made ine it in the theater.) available to viewers On with the has skyrocketed. Fruss h ow ( s ) , a n d t h e trated LGBT filmmaklineup: ers faced with fewer and Opening night fewer funding and disfilm: Eisenstein in tribution options have Guanajuato. In 1931, turned to the internet as at the height of his a means to bring their artistic powers, Soviet stories to a wider audifilmmaker Sergei ence, and the opportuEisenstein travels to nities (along with budMexico to shoot a gets and production new film to be titled value) have grown in Qu e V i va Me x i c o. leaps and bounds in a Freshly rejected by very short time. Hollywood and under The Inter net has increasing pressure become the best place to return to Stalinto find diverse, well ist Russia, Eisenstein “Kelsey” is among the web series being showcased Saturday afternoon. rounded portrayals of arrives at the city of LGBT characters. The Guanajuato. Chaperoned by his guide Palomino Cañedo, he vul- web series featured below are the best and brightest the internerably experiences the ties between Eros and Thanatos, sex and net has to offer in diverse LGBT storytelling. Watch a sampling death, happy to create their effects in cinema, troubled to suffer of these massively popular series, and then join the creators and them in life. Peter Greenaway’s film explores the mind of a creative stars as they share their insights and stories behind the scenes and genius facing the desires and fears of love, sex and death through advise aspiring creators on their own projects one-on-one. Panel/ ten passionate days that helped shape the rest of the career of one program will feature the following shows with filmmakers Kieran of the greatest masters of Cinema. Turner, Tina Ward, Rick Coop and Wes Hurley in attendance: CapClosing night film: Out to Win, a doc that examines the lives of itol Hill, Kelsey, Producing Juliet, The Transgender Project, Wallqueer athletes. The film features sports icons like Jason Collins, flowers, and Where the Bears Are. Brittney Griner, Billie Jean King, John Amaechi, Martina NavraS&M Sally: When Jamie finds out her girlfriend Jill has spent time tilova, Billy Bean, David Kopay, Billy Bean, Conner Mertens and QUEER FILM FEST page 5 pqmonthly.com
FEATURE
From left, stills from films “Those People” and “While You Weren’t Looking,” and a still from “Wallflowers,” part of Saturday’s web series event.
QUEER FILM FEST Continued from page 4
exploring S&M, her insecurities about falling behind in the bedroom push her to propose that they start going to underground clubs. Jamie decides to use the pseudonym Sally so she can stay anonymous but still look like she’s using her real name, which apparently she thinks makes her look cool. Identifying as the butch one in a traditional butch/femme couple, “Sally” assumes she will take the dominant role in their escapades, with Jill as her submissive, but Jill has ideas of her own. Upstairs Inferno: This film documents what many consider the largest gay mass murder in U.S. History: On June 24, 1973, an arsonist set fire to the Upstairs Lounge, a gay bar located on the edge of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. Thirty-two people were killed and some bodies were never identified. The primary suspect was never charged with the crime. The tragedy did not stop at the loss of lives. There were also the delayed injuries: lost jobs, fear, public ridicule, and severed families. The devastation was compounded by the homophobic reactions and utter lack of concern by the general public, government and religious leaders. The fire permanently altered lives and was the root of many lifelong struggles. Inferno brings humanity to the headlines by shining a light on the very painful effect the tragedy had on survivors, witnesses and loved ones. Written and directed by Robert L. Camina and narrated by New York Times best-selling author, Christopher Rice. Two 4 One: Two 4 One is a bittersweet comedic drama that sees a transgender hero in an unimaginable predicament. When Adam helps his baby-crazy ex-girlfriend Miriam artificially inseminate, they wind up in bed together— and they both get pregnant. Now Adam must reconcile his identity and gender with his biological reality, grapple with his feelings
for Miriam, and try to figure out what it means to be a man. Stories of Our Lives: Lives is a Kenyan film, created by the members of The Nest Collective, a Nairobi-based arts collective. The film is an anthology of five short films dramatizing true stories of LGBT life in Kenya, a series of five vignettes based on true stories collected for the Stories of Our Lives project: Ask Me Nicely, Each Night I Dream, Run, Duet, Athman. Those People: On Manhattan’s gilded Upper East Side, a young painter, Charlie, finds the man of his dreams in an older pianist from across the globe. If only Charlie weren’t secretly in love with his own manipulative best friend, Sebastian, who is embroiled in a financial scandal. In the
wake of Sebastian’s notoriety, their tight-knit group of friends must confront the new realities of adulthood. Guidance: Hailed as a “Grade A” comedy by the Los Angeles Times and a Critic’s Pick by The New York Times, Guidance is a riotous comedy that follows former child actor, David Gold, as he makes one bad decision after another. Recently unemployed and with nothing left to lose, he fakes his resume and gets a job as a high school guidance counselor. Quickly winning over the students
with his bad behavior, David forms a friendship with Jabrielle, a teenage outcast and they hit the road as an unlikely pair of outlaws on the run. At once a touching comedy that reveals the inner child in us all, Guidance is filled with fastpaced comedic timing, witty dialogue and a winning performance from writer/director/actor Pat Mills. Deep Run is a powerful verité portrait of trans life in rural North Carolina. Cole Ray Davis is a young trans man who uses his candid humor and steadfast, all-inclusive Christian beliefs to counter the bigotry he experiences daily. While You Weren’t Looking: The changing landscape of post-Apartheid South African politics and lifestyles is portrayed through two central relationships a successful black real estate woman who is cheating on her white wife, and their bohemian daughter dating a gender non-confirming woman in the Khayalitsha township. Fourth Man Out: On his 24th birthday, Adam, a small-town mechanic, decides it’s time to finally tell his friends and family that he’s gay. Will his straight-as-an-arrow best bros have his back? A lighthearted and unexpectedly subversive comedy about coming out of the blue-collar closet. Liz in September: Every Year, Liz, a hardcore party girl and womanizer, celebrates her birthday in the Caribbean. This year is different; she is sick but hates pity and hides her terminal illness. When a young woman outsider arrives, Liz’s friends dare Liz to seduce her; but, the woman is suffering from her own recent trauma, and nothing turns out as expected. Boy Meets Girl. Love truly transcends gender. Award-winning Boy Meets Girl is a funny, tender, sex-positive romantic comedy that explores what it means to be human, and how important it is to be true to ourselves and to each other. Millionaire Man: A local treat! A true story about a
man keeping the cycle alive of passing on his fortune to the right man. Visit www.pdxqueerfilm.com for more info.
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Antony and Cleopatra: This lavish, glitzy staging of Shakespeare’s notoriously unwieldy script gets many things right, and is the best production I’ve seen of the flawed play. The great Derrick Lee Weeden (seen at PCS a few seasons ago as Othello) brings much charisma and gravitas to the part of Antony, a Roman general torn between his duties as ruler of a third of the Western world, and his love for the Egyptian queen Cleopatra, and her sensual court. Miriam A. Laube imbues Cleopatra with a lot of razzle dazzle, playing her as more fun, and less moody, than most who tackle the role. It works well, suggesting a dissociation that Antony and Cleopatra: This lavish, glitzy staging of Shakespeare’s notoriously unwieldy script gets many things right, and is the prefigures her fall. Director, and best production I’ve seen of the flawed play. OSF Artistic Director, Bill Rauch creates some stunning scenes in By Leela Ginelle, PQ Monthly Egypt, and gives the story weight by including the couple’s kids, who are left out of the script, but unfortunately can’t Now in its 80th season, Ashland’s Oregon Shakespeare solve the drawn out, morbid nature of the play’s final third. Festival seems only to grow in influence and prestige. Its Sweat: This ambitious world premiere from Lynn Notproductions regularly draw the nation’s top critics to the tage, author of the Pulitzer-winning play Ruined, examnorthwest for reviews, and its newly commissioned shows, ines the effects of the de-industrialization of the northlike last year’s The Great Society and this year’s Sweat launch east, which followed in the wake of NAFTA. Set in Reading, from southern Oregon onto Broadway, or the Arena Stage Pennsylvania, the story follows two generations of workin Washington D.C. ers who see their way of life crumble, as their plant ships All this is to say we have a national treasure in our backmachinery and jobs to Mexico, and locks out its employyard (or, well, five hours south), and it’s worth paying it a ees amidst union crushing negotiations. Nottage manages visit, which I recently did. Here’s what I saw: to make what could be schematic or allegorical movingly Much Ado About Nothing: To celebrate its 80th anniverhuman, locating the universal and tragic in her characters’ sary, the festival has launched its ambitious “The Canon in a reversals of fortune. Race, class, immigration, and the crimDecade” program, which will stage the Bard’s entire oeuvre inal justice system bubble up throughout the story, making in the next ten years, making for a great chance to Brush Up it feel vitally relevant. Sweat’s set is a marvel, and its circa Your Shakespeare, as Cole Porter might say. To help start things 2000 soundtrack is a fun blast of nostalgia. off, director Lileana Blain-Cruz has devised a lovely, spirited, Head Over Heels: The pen of “Avenue Q” playwright Jeff and, at times, dark production of one of the playwright’s most Witty, and the work of ‘80s rockers the Go-Gos, combine beloved comedies. She forgoes naturalistic staging, in favor here to make a queer, patriarchy-smashing hit. Set in the of lush, sensual ambience, making great use of the Angus fictional 16th century kingdom of Arcadia, the story folBowmer theater’s rich lighting and sound systems. The first lows King Basilus (a fun Michael Sharon), as he strives to half is fun and spry, particularly in the moments when friends prevent four prophesies from occurring, ironically wreakand relatives trick sparring protagonists Benedict (a funny ing havoc through his plotting. Along the way, his eldest Danforth Comins) and Beatrice (standout Christiana Clark) daughter discovers lesbianism, while his youngest daughinto falling in love. Blain-Cruz adds nuance and ambivalence ter’s suitor, through the use of disguise, discovers transness. to the show’s second half, however, showing how for Hero (a The show’s tone throughout is infectious, witty, meta and great Leah Anderson), who’s been wrongfully dishonored, heartfelt; it’s use of music is consistently thoughtful and anger may be hard to overcome, and a happy ending, should sophisticated, easily transcending the feel of a rote jukethere be one, is a ways off. box musical. John Tufts, as the Fool, is memorably mercuPericles: One of Shakespeare’s later, and least well rial and subversive, calling to mind Joel Grey in Cabaret. known, plays, Pericles is a hidden gem. The story of a young Long Day’s Journey Into Night: Playwright Eugene O’Neill’s prince (the great Wayne T. Carr) who experiences fantasmasterpiece gets a powerful, loving revival in the OSF’s intitical reverses of fortune, including multiple sea catastromate Thomas Theatre. The show dramatizes a day in the life phes, as well as great love and loss; it’s something of an of the Tyrone family, which O’Neill based on his own. Each adult fairy tale. Director Joseph Haj finds tenderness and of the four—a mother, father, and two sons—struggles with humor in the production, weaving in multiple songs, and alcoholism or addiction, and their love is clouded by loathcreating a great set piece out of Pericles’ courtship with ing, resentment and recrimination. While this sounds heavy Thaisa (a charming, funny Brooke Parks). The production (and is certainly not a romp!), vitality and authenticity spark is marred, unfortunately, by some completely unnecessary every moment, which gives it a feeling of revelation, rather transphobia, stemming from the gender swapping in the than despair. Each of the five performances is a stunner, but role of Bawd, a brothel madame. When Marina (a wonderful special mention might go to Jonathan Haugen, who brings a Jennie Greenberry), Pericles’ daughter, who’s been sold into sense of danger to the role of Jamie, the elder son, and Danprostitution asks Bawd, “Art thou a woman?” the moment forth Comins, as Edmund, the younger son, who’s simply is supposed to be a plea to the latter’s humanity. Instead, heartbreaking in the show’s fantastic conclusion. since Bawd is played, broadly, by a cis man in a nightgown, it’s an invitation for a transmisogynist laugh on the audiFor information on show times and dates, please visit ence’s part, one that comes at the expense of trans women. www.osfashland.org. pqmonthly.com
FEATURE
A SEASON OF FILM—THE GERMAN FILM FEST RETURNS
Portland’s German Film Festival opens September 25. One of its features, “Head Full of Honey,” about one of Grandpa’s last adventures. By Daniel Borgen, PQ Monthly
The sixth annual Portland German Film Festival (PGFF) takes place September 25–29, 2015, at Cinema 21—which also serves as home to Portland’s Queer Film Fest. This beloved annual festival showcases dramas, comedies, documentaries, and children’s films that represent modern German filmmaking. This year’s festival kicks off with the American Premiere of A Misplaced World, the latest from legendary director Margarethe von Trotta. The film’s star, world-renowned actress Katja Riemann, will be in attendance and receive the 2015 Portland German Film Festival Award for her
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body of work, which includes dozens of movie roles and TV acting credits. Other festival highlights include the American premiere of Til Schweiger’s Head Full of Honey, a comedy about an aging man’s last road trip; a documentary about the world’s biggest metal music festival, Wacken—The Movie; a digitally restored version of the classic Born in ’45, about life in the GDR in the 1960s and a repertory screening of Katja Riemann’s drama about a rock band composed of female prison escapees, Bandits. The festival also shows classic German movies as matinees during the event; this year The Murderers are Among Us, one of the first post-World War II German
films, starring Hildegard Knef. The schedule follows: Friday, September 25 7:30 p.m. A Misplaced World, followed by the opening night soiree. World features dark family secrets, emotional family reunions, and cautious self-discovery. Saturday, September 26 3 p.m. Lola on the Pea This coming of age film tackles illegal immigration—it’s about friendship and standing up for what is right. 5 p.m. Then Is It the End? GERMAN FILM FEST page 9
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 • 7
FEATURE
VOICES
ID CHECK The Long Journey Home By Leela Ginelle, PQ Monthly
Prior to remembering the abuse from my childhood I’d repressed, I avoided stories about mental illness. Films in which characters lost their minds, struggling to understand what was real and what was the product of delusion or illness triggered a vulnerability in me I sought urgently to avoid. My consciousness in early adulthood felt like an island in a pirate story, that I dug into feverishly, certain the treasure, which would explain my fears and unease, would turn up. I would alternate between feeling foolish, as though I was wasting my life fruitlessly tearing into myself in search of something nonexistent, and happy, seeing the slow, incremental climb I’d experienced from the despair I’d long felt. Repressed memories and trust are antithetical. Having been tortured, and stored that torture away, it was as though the events became the subtext of all I experienced. Every aspect of this dynamic was unfair: to have been a defenseless, preyed upon child, to have had no choice but to block out what occurred, and to project, unconsciously, the worst events of my life onto people who had no part in them, are all inexplicably cruel circumstances. The only meaning I can divine in any of it is the experience of overcoming and healing from each step. Knowing I’m not currently being victimized, I’m no longer haunted as I was, and past violence does not color my present moments, makes the time spent meditating on and grieving those traumas worthwhile. I can remember years dominated by shame, or fear, as though those emotions encased my memories like layers of soil. As I drew closer, it was anger. The memories themselves were like stored constellations of pain, and terror, along with all other manner of discomfort. Where were these emotions and sensations housed all that time? I set out into the world with all this buried in me. A young adult, I attempted to navigate a life while the equivalent of the Saw franchise bubbled in my subconscious. I did what I could to stay numb, until staying numb hurt more than whatever pain was driving me, and I then reached for help. Remembering the events I’d buried was like witnessing an avalanche, with my past and my identity crumbling and reforming violently inside me. The mistrust through which I’d viewed the world turned inward and then backward. What had seemed safe—my childhood—became suspect, and then altogether abusive, while what had seemed dangerous—each waking
m o m e n t — g re w t o seem, on evidence, placid. A school of thought holds that for survivors of child abuse, certain aspects of development freeze when violations occur. I’m not sure how such things can be measured, but the concept rings true to my experience. A nagging sense of immaturity has slowly faded for me as my healing has progressed. Alongside it, a heaviness, a belief I’ve known and understood abominable truths our culture allows no space to even contemplate, has lingered. When I meditate, I get a sense of my energy, or center of gravity. Years ago, this force felt wholly divorced from my body. As I’ve transitioned, it has shifted some, but I still find it commonly swirling around my head or straining upward, above me, seeking escape. My body, the site of all I endured, remains, apparently, unsafe for habitation. With time all I’d hidden felt integrated. A new picture of my past replaced the more sentimental one my mind had created to survive, this one honoring what I’d experienced. The fear of insanity vanished. A sense of forgiveness for my shortcomings replaced a former perfectionism, and chronic low self-esteem gave way to a previously unknown confidence. The thought that I could have lived in a situation where events occurred, which were so gruesome my mind instinctually sealed them away shocks me. When grief visits me, as it often does, it’s habitual to remind myself of the ways previous circumstances differ from current ones. Child abuse, elder abuse, prisoner abuse, sexual assault on campuses, sexual assault during wartime, human trafficking, etc., etc. The exploitation of the vulnerable by the strong, the depravity that drives a behavior we’re only beginning to discuss openly enrages me, at times. My path often feels like the scaling of a giant ditch into which I was hurled when I was so young I couldn’t remember it happening. Along the way I’d have insights, moments where my view of things altered, and old patterns, based on fear, hopelessness or cynicism, crumbled, making way for new approaches or ideas. “If I’d never started this,” I’d think then, “I’d have never reached this point.” In those times I’d feel elated, because I knew I’d received something no one could give me, something I only had now, because I’d loved myself through all the darkest times, when I felt plunged back into moments so awful they’d required burying once long ago.
Ginelle is a playwright and journalist living in Portland, OR. You can write her at leela@pqmonthly.com. 8 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
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NEWS
World-renowned actress Katja Riemann will be in attendance and receive the 2015 Portland German Film Festival Award for her body of work, which includes dozens of movie roles and TV acting credits.
GERMAN FILM FEST Continued from page 7
Biographical documentary about the recently deceased film critic, Michael Althen—this film digs deep into film history. 7 p.m. Head Full of Honey—the U.S. premiere. On the road with dementia, this is a screamingly funny
and poignant story about taking Grandpa on one last adventure. 9:30 p.m. Wacken—The Movie Can’t attend the real thing? This documentary about the world’s largest metal festival takes you there and back—all with your hearing remaining intact. Sunday, September 27 1 p.m. The Murderers are Among Us. The immortal Hildegard Knef’s pitch-perfect capture of living in the post WW II era as a survivor: a classic from 1948. 3 p.m. Shana—the Wolf ’s Music This coming-of-age story chronicles a Canadian First Nation’s girl who triumphs over many obstacles in her young life. 5 p.m. Born in the ‘45 Showing life in the GDR as it was, the once-banned and now-fully digitally restored film opens a window into the 1960s world behind the Iron Curtain. 7 p.m. Gruninger’s Fall This historical drama about a Swiss police officer who helps Jewish refugees to cross illegally into Switzerland during the 1930s. Monday, September 28 7 p.m. In the Basement
Documentary essay about people’s preoccupations outside the public eye, and in the privacy of their basements. Tuesday, September 28—Closing night! 7 p.m. Bandits Musical drama about a girl band of cons—escaping prison might just lead them to fame and fortune! Tickets for each screening are $10 each for general admission—admission is $8 for seniors/students (please provide valid ID) and $5 each for children under 12. Opening night film is $12, or $25 for entrance to the film and the after party. Tickets can be purchased in advance, online, at www. cinema21.com or www.portlandgermanfilmfestival.com. Cinema 21 is located at 616 NW 21. You can also find the German Film Fest on Facebook. About Zeitgeist Northwest: Zeitgeist Northwest is a membership organization whose members are united by their belief that our cultural heritage and language play an important role in our lives and that of our children. ZGNW offers a link to modern German culture, the German language, politics and the arts. ZGNW provides a variety of opportunities to learn, to be entertained, to meet like-minded people and to network. For more information about ZGNW please visit: http://zeitgeistnorthwest.org/.
Rainbow Business Services Serving the Needs of the Legal Marijuana Industry
Jackie Wheatley Chief Business Consultant 2403 SE Monroe St., Suite E Milwaukie, OR 97222
(971) 319-5599 Jackie@rainbowbusinessservices.com www.rainbowbusinessservices.com
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 • 9
NEWS FEATURE
BECOME AN OYA FOSTER PARENT
… And change a life! We need LGBTQ homes to provide stability, comfort, and compassion to at-risk teens in Oregon. OYA provides the support and financial assistance for youth care. You provide the hope. Call 503-373-7595 or email oyafostercare@oya.state.or.us to make a difference today.
10 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
FEATURE
BI BRIGADE PRESENTS: BISEXUAL AWARENESS WEEK!
In its second year, the theme for Bi Awareness Week is “Raising bisexual awareness through cultural acceptance”, and PQ Monthly is teaming up with Bi Brigade to make you aware of ways you can celebrate locally By Cameron Kude, PQ Monthly
In 1999, three bisexual activists were hanging out at together at a conference, talking about bi invisibility. One of them got the idea to have a party for their bi friends, and another suggested that it be in September because Freddie Mercury’s birthday was that month. They settled on the 23rd because it fell on a weekend that year and they wanted to boogie. This is how Celebrate Bisexuality Day was born. The holiday is now celebrated in parts of the US, Canada, Australia, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, and The United Kingdom. In 2012, Berkeley, California became the first US city to officially proclaim a day recognizing bisexuals. (Ahem-KateBrown-ahem.) On September 23, 2013, T he W h ite House held a meeting with almost thirty bi s e x u a l a c t i v i s t s f r om around the country so they cou ld t a l k w it h gover nment officials about issues that affect bi people. That same day in the UK, government minister for Women and Equalities Jo Swinson MP made a statement saying, “I welcome Bi Visibility Day which helps to raise awareness of the issues that bisexual people can face and provides an opportunity to celebrate diversity and focus on the B in LGBT.” Last year, fifteen years after the first Celebrate Bisexuality Day, the nation’s leading grassroots bi organization BiNET USA declared the surrounding seven days to be Bi Awareness Week. BiNET teamed up with GLAAD to launch an international social media campaign to recognize and celebrate bisexuals worldwide. In its second year, the theme for Bi Awareness Week is “Raising bisexual awareness through cultural acceptance”, and PQ Monthly is teaming up with Bi Brigade to
make you aware of ways you can celebrate locally: Portland’s Bi Awareness Week Line-up: Sunday, 9/20: Sunday Coffee at Triumph Cafe. Look for the bi pride flag! Some pastries and beverages will be provided to kick off bi awareness week. All ages! 201 SE 12th Ave. 1-4 p.m. Monday, 9/21: Something very exciting is happening this day in the bi world, but it’s top secret—keep your ears peeled! Tuesday, 9/22: Bi/Pan conversation group at Q Center. This is an open forum with rotating facilitators and topics range from coming out, relationships and dating, combating social stigma, community building, and more. That top secret thing that happened the day before is likely to be discussed. Open to all ages, but those who are 21+ often meander to a nearby bar afterwards to socialize. 7-8:30 p.m. 4115 N Mississippi Ave. Wednesday, 9/23: Celebrate Bisexuality Day! How are you celebrating? Let us know! bibrigade@gmail. com. Friday, 9/25: Bi Brigade is proud to present the first ever Bi Barrage! This periodic guerrilla style bi-takeover is coming to a neighborhood near you. Bi Brigade’s first barrage will be at The Alibi! Sport your favorite bi pride colors -purple pink or blueor wear anything bi-themed. From Freddie Mercury to Fergie, we will be paying homage to some of our favorite bi musicians: Bjork, Nicki Minaj, Janis Joplin, Frank Ocean, Azealia Banks, Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, Vanessa Carlton, Grace Jones, Debbie Harry, Billie Holiday, Lou Reed, Dusty Springfield, Carrie Brownstein, David Bowie, the list is endless! 21+ 9:30 p.m.-late. 4024 N. Interstate Ave. Keep checking PQ Monthly for more from Bi Brigade (www.bibrigade.org). pqmonthly.com
VOICES
FEATURE
ON OCTOBER 1, MARIJUANA IS FOR SALE STATEWIDE
On October 1, the existing medical marijuana dispensaries will begin selling up to 7 grams of cannabis flower to adults, tax-free—until January 4, and then a 25 percent tax begins. By Jackie Wheatley, Special for PQ Monthly
I have seen many changes in my lifetime since watching the assassination (and funeral) of our much beloved President Kennedy in 1963—my first clear memory of the world around me. Television, and now the Internet, brought the world to me. We watched the evening news every night at home; we discussed the events of the day including some very heated debates when my siblings and I clashed in our opinions with our parents. None however, was more divisive than the recreational use of marijuana—which at that time and still in many states and countries today was illegal. That all changed here in Oregon last year when the majority in our state voted to legalize recreational marijuana for adults. When I look back 40 years, I think about my senior year of high school, where my main pass time included smoking marijuana on a regular basis and those heated discussions with my mother related to the legalization of marijuana. On October 1, the existing medical marijuana dispensaries will begin selling up to 7
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grams of cannabis flower to adults, tax-free—until January 4, and then a 25 percent tax begins. The licenses for those medical marijuana dispensaries last until December 31, 2016. Additionally, the state will be issuing processing licenses to medical processors that make infused products. The state is developing the rules and regulations through the OLCC. Eventually, there will be two separate systems: the medical system and the recreational system. The OLCC is working on the regulations to see how the medical marijuana growers can provide to OLCC stores, and how OLCC stores can provide medical marijuana taxfree to patients. Medical marijuana dispensaries are either going to want to have both licenses—medical through the Oregon Health Authority, and recreational through the OLCC—and some may decide to stick only with medical. The recreational system is not replacing the medical system, but there will be some overlap. During the past few months, the Oregon legislature has been very busy refining Measure 91 and its implementation state wide. Portland Norml, a local non-profit (http:// portlandnorml.org/) has a wealth of information related to those changes and I highly recommend making sure you know what is and is not legal in Oregon. As a business professional, I wrestled over how I might best serve this new budding (pun intended) industry here in Oregon. Questions such as, “Could I lose my CPA license?” had to be answered. After months of research into the pros and cons of taking on clients in the Legal Marijuana Industry, we are PROUD to announce the launch of Rainbow Business Services. Rainbow Business Services seeks to help folks in this new industry to be wildly successful in their endeavors. There are new regulations to be navigated and as the industry begins to be accepted as mainstream, the back room and dark alley dealings will be a thing of the past. My perception is that we of the LGBTQ community have much in common with the folks of this budding industry as they “come out of the closet” so to speak. Last month, I attended the Portland Meet Up of the Marijuana Business Association. I was pleasantly surprised at the diversity of folks in the room and am looking forward to developing those new professional relationships. I believe the rest of the United States is looking at our example just as Oregon looked to Colorado and Washington. As it was with same sex marriage, I believe it is important for all adults be allowed the use of recreational marijuana, if they so choose. Need more info.? Contact Rainbow Business Services at Jackie@RainbowBusinessServices.com. Or call 971-319-5599.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 • 11
OPINION
OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: MEET COLEEN MCKINSTRY By Shaley Howard, PQ Monthly
The limited research that has been completed does tend to suggest that in addition to the factors listed above that Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women affect breast cancer awareness and proactivity, there is also in the United States, other than skin cancer. And whether a “cluster of risk factors” for lesbians and bisexual women. it’s a friend or family member, nowadays most people According to the National LGBT Cancer Network these know someone who’s been affected by this disease. My first risk factors are: encounter was when my mother was diagnosed years ago. Cigarette smoking: data suggest that lesbians smoke She was extremely fortunate as it cigarettes at a substantially higher was detected at an early stage and rate than heterosexual women. with treatment, which included a Alcohol use: some research partial mastectomy, she survived. reports higher rates of heavy drinkUnfortunately, many women coning among lesbians than heterosextinue to die from breast cancer— ual women one of the most preventable disObesity: some studies report that eases if detected and treated early lesbians are more likely to be overenough. weight or have a body mass index Like most cancers, breast cancer over 25. affects people of all races, sexual Pregnancy: lesbians are less likely orientation and socioeconomic to have biological children before class without bias or discriminaage 30, which would offer some protion. Genetically and physiologtection against cancer. ically there is nothing different In addition to these, lesbians and between heterosexual women and bisexual women also deal with the lesbians or women from different stressors of a homophobic and hetracial and ethnic backgrounds. erocentric culture. Issues such as the However there is a difference when level of sensitivity, friendliness and it comes to external societal factors respect from physicians, support that can affect and increase the risk groups and the medical environof breast cancer and the survival ment towards LGBT can undermine rate for certain groups of women. the desire to be more open and proacThe main factors contributtive, and can possibly increase a more ing to the discrepancies in breast lackadaisical attitude is seeking medcancer risk between racial, ethnic, ical attention early on. geographic groups of women Coleen McKinstry is a self-identiinclude lack of health insurance, Throughout her ordeal, McKinstry had to endure a lumpectomy, a fied lesbian who was diagnosed with lack of a regular health care pro- lumpectomy re-excision, port insertion, 8 rounds of chemotherapy, and Stage 3a breast cancer on Septemvider, low income and lack of edu- 35 radiation treatments. ber 12, 2003, when she was 41 yrs cation and awareness about the old. Stage 3 is when the cancer goes nature of breast cancer and the advantages of early diag- beyond the immediate area of the tumor and has possibly nosis. Without accessing or being able to access preventa- invaded nearby muscle and lymph nodes but hasn’t yet tive care such as regular breast cancer screenings and mam- spread out to further organs. Throughout her ordeal, McKmograms the risk of being diagnosed with more advanced instry had to endure a lumpectomy, a lumpectomy re-exbreast cancer is much greater and harder to treat. cision, port insertion, 8 rounds of chemotherapy, and 35 Research focusing primarily on lesbians and bisexual radiation treatments. women with breast cancer is unfortunately not as thorough “I definitely did not feel comfortable identifying as a lesand conclusive as racial, ethnic and geographic studies. bian with breast cancer,” she says. “I felt as though I didn’t
quite fit in if that makes sense. When my treatments were completed, and I was trying to jump back into my ‘old’ life, I really had a meltdown. I decided it would be good for me to attend a support group and heal with women who were dealing with the same issues I was. I went to 5 support groups before I found one where I felt safe, comfortable, and secure sharing my story. “I do believe not feeling safe and being discriminated against is what keeps many lesbians from getting their annual screenings and taking care of themselves. Cancer is hard enough though. Trying to juggle the closet would have been way too much for me. We are entitled to the same care as heterosexual women, and we should be proactive in taking care of our bodies. If you are not comfortable with the first healthcare professional you meet, get a second, third, or fourth opinion. Never be afraid to ask for it. Luckily, my healthcare team was aware that I was a lesbian and I never felt any resistance or discrimination from any of them.” Enduring the psychological, physical and emotional roller coaster ride of being diagnosed with breast cancer and going through treatment can be terrifying. It’s a life changing and transformative experience. McKinstry’s 12th year cancer free anniversary date is October 7th of this year. Reflecting back on her experience, she says: “Cancer robbed me of my ability to have children. It left me with lymphedema, osteoporosis, and constant arm, breast, and chest pain. It stripped me of my innocence and what I envisioned my future to be. It took so much. But cancer also forced me to dig deep and find the real me. It gave me strength to leave a stress filled job, to leave my family, my friends, and everything I knew and move across the country to a climate that would help my ailing body feel better. It taught me to slow down and appreciate each day. It showed me how to be kind and patient to myself. It helped me be accepting of everyone for we never know where someone else has been. And it proved to me that I could accomplish anything—no time for self-pity. I often tell people that cancer was a blessing. Not that I would want to endure everything again but it forced me into taking inventory of my life, and to not settle.” October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For additional information about breast cancer and events locally, go to the American Cancer Society website at www.makingstrideswalk.org or the Susan G. Komen site, http://ww5. komen.org/.
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EMBODY
The Cost of Geography By Sossity Chiricuzio, PQ Monthly
FEATURE FEATURES
Photo by J Tyler Huber.
VOICES
and the sunset hits a high bank of clouds How much would you pay to find a place just right and the where you finally feel like you belong? Every train is calling and it almost for a moment cent in your pocket? Some of us do. All your feels like home. By which I mean home that belongings and some self-respect? That too. was, because this is also home now. This gorHow about your family? Your childhood geous jumble of cultures and art and gender friends? Your hometown? and sexualities and faiths. This cornucopia This is a choice many queers have to of freaks and geeks and deviants and givers. make, even sometimes one that is made for Where I’m not even the only fat, bearded, tatthem. Homeless youth, kicked out or run- tooed, poly femme who writes dirty poetry. ning for survival, and those of us who can’t More to the point, I’m far less likely to be stand to blend or pass, or just can’t. Those harassed or killed for it. of us who, even if we weren’t queer, wouldn’t All the talk of community and diverfit in. Those of us who want sity aside, the main reason to make truthful art, or enjoy to move somewhere bigger visible love, or just take up is survival. More liberal laws space. Those of us who often or politics, more tolerant (or leave small towns and rural jaded/impervious/too busy to areas for big cities. Leaving bother) strangers on the street. an emptiness behind, and More doctors who might treat often creating one inside. you like a human, more job All through high school options, more chances at joy. in my tiny desert town, I hid We move not only to increase my queerness. Finding a best our quality of life, but our life (gay) boy/friend helped for a Illustration by Galadriel Mozee. expectancy. It’s not a simple while, but then he couldn’t hide anymore math, involving as it does the sharp percentand ran away to California. Finding it more ages of race, gender, ability and class, but it socially acceptable to be a slut than a dyke, does add up to a better chance. I gave handjobs and blowjobs to male classSome of us choose to stay in our small mates, or, more often, their older broth- towns and rural areas, for love or duty or a ers, cousins, etc.—no pleasure, just proof. preference for quieter living. If we’re lucky, Finding all of this more than I could stand, we’ll find another bright fish in our small I disassociated for years, until I finally got to pond who meets us, other shiny creatures college and found some other queers. Even to connect and collaborate with. If we’re then, I was a weirdo, but at least they really lucky, we have family that loves us anyways, saw me, and didn’t hate what they saw. and tries to create safe spaces. If we’re lucky, I tried to find what I needed in that col- we can find work and happiness that is as lege town, just big enough to have a queer expansive as we need. I couldn’t rest on community center, a feminist bookstore, a luck anymore, rolling snake eyes like I was. Pride festival. Just big enough that eventu- I sold or gave away most of my belongings, ally I wasn’t the only visible femme, but not kissed my family not nearly enough times, nearly big enough to find many folks that and moved across the country. knew what to do with the kind of femme I I flourish here like I never have before, am. No polyamorous community, no fat com- and my family sees it, values it, is happy munity, no writers community or open mic for me. My art and community expanded that was ready for my voice, but nowhere else beyond any dream I had, and I finally met that was big enough to suit me better and still a partner who can meet me in all things. I within a day’s travel of my mother’s house. spend my work hours contributing in meanMy mother’s love and support was and ingful ways, my questioning voice is an asset, is and will always be one of my greatest and I can get the healthcare I need. I am strengths. My source of faith in the world, also carrying around an empty place where and the determination to do my part to the arms of my family is an echo, and I left make it better. My best friend. Even those the work I do here, undone there. There is a measly 67 miles from Tucson to the middle cost in this equation, no matter the choice. of the desert where she lives often felt insur- An identity tax, a gender fee, a sexuality surmountable since I had no car, but at least I charge. We all pay, and yet still often fail to knew I could find a way to get to her. Could invest in each other, valuing radical over rest in the ease of her garden. Could gather rural, dismissing what it takes to stay put. with my siblings and cousins and friends, I want to see what it could look like if we playing dominoes and dice and storytelling shared the work and wealth of being queer, for hours. Could smell the rain coming over regardless of location. Even better, if we the desert like a spell, washing my spirit. could be valued wherever we are. The rain in Portland is softer, less fragrant, and even after 12 years here, can still Artist credit: I’m very pleased to be colsneak up on me. Like the wave of longing I get laborating with local artist Galadriel Mozee! when the sky opens up at the edge of town (galadrielmozee.com) End note: If you have topics you’d like me to cover, products you’d like me to review, people you’d like to hear from, or resources to share, please get in touch! sossity@pqmonthly.com.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 • 13
OPINION
Always have supported LGBT rights, Always will.
THE LADY CHRONICLES
Ten Dresses: a Summer of Gay Weddings & Italian Cooking By Daniel Borgen, PQ Monthly
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As a perennially single person, nothing quite compares to the joy of receiving a wedding invitation in the mail. You’re so excited for your best friend—and your cousin, your many other friends, and everyone else—you love all the love in the air; you are thrilled all those crazy kids are making a go of it. I don’t know about the rest of the single people out there, but the first thing on my mind—as I read the invitation and pray no dates are allowed (the no-dates rule solves all the single lady’s problems)—is usually, “Great, who the hell is going to be my plus-one?” And the times you get ten wedding invitations in a one month span, the query is a pinch more dramatic. How will I ever find ten? Can I find one to suit each occasion? Note: this is particularly daunting when you’re staring down 40. Let’s skip to the big gay dating finish: I didn’t find ten dates; I found a used copy of The Essentials of Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan at Powell’s, and in lieu of spending three months hunting for ten men, this summer I Julie & Julia’d my way through Hazan’s tome, which I found simultaneously challenging and fulfilling. Though Essentials boasts more than 600 pages, most of Hazan’s recipes are simple and straightforward (like me!). With a little patience and a lot of dedication to washing lots of pots, pans, and dishes, you can fairly quickly master tomato sauce (my favorites are her Tomato Sauce with Garlic and Basil and her Amatriciana, a little number with pancetta and chili pepper) and preparing a variety of meats, Italian-style. (Thanks to Essentials, imagine the doting spouse I’ll make one sweet day.) Don’t worry, I didn’t hole myself away all summer to go face down in various pastas and sauces (though I did eat my weight in one of Hazan’s lamb chop recipes—hint, pg. 412), I did use big parts of the summer to go on dating adventures, a simple, straightforward effort to nab at least one plusone. Though I gave up many of my former nightlife adventures in favor of romantic nights alone with wine and Hazan—I think I accidentally entered semi-nightlife-retirement—I managed a month-long courtship with a gentleman from Seattle, which resulted in visits and which still may yield more; I reconnected with an old flame, and we entertained with the idea of revisiting our old dynamic long-term; I enjoyed plenty of temporary lovers, many from abroad (the hostel down the street from my NW abode continues to prove incredibly fruitful). If there was a dating companion to Essentials, I got through that, too. For years, I was unapologetic about my shortcomings—perceived and otherwise; I favored a blunt love-it-or-leave-it mantra.
I speak my mind; deal with it. Though many would argue this characteristic still shines like the sun on a 100-degree Portland day, I’d contend my suck-it-bitch approach has tempered considerably alongside (modest) advancements in age. I am more patient with people’s neuroses—because, lord, how do I expect anyone to suffer mine? But, just a dash of tempering, because, as Hazan says, “Blandness is not a virtue, tastelessness is not joy.” I am going to make a giant, beautiful mural with those words and hang it in my bedroom. With blandness in mind, I didn’t complain when my lover from the north only talked about himself, couldn’t remember my friends’ names, and, for weeks, didn’t even realize I worked for the queer newspaper. I was far more patient with my old flame, and I let all the little things that used to gnaw away at me—his inability to make a decision, our differences in pop culture tastes—fall by the wayside in favor for comfortable, familiar sleepovers. And the hostel, well, it filled in any and all the blanks along the way. One of my dearest friends may have dubbed my summer: Eat, Pray, Screw. There is no shame in enjoying another warm body in your bed, and one can predict when romance will finally stick. Fast forward, again, to the big gay finish. I went stag to each and every romantic event, which, it turns out, isn’t so bad when you’re surrounded by friends and family— and hosted bars. Most of the couples I know who tied the knot had been together for years; their ceremonies spanned the simplest and the most elaborate, and each was marked by the characteristics of a slowly simmered sauce, sufficiently savory, concentrated and with clearly defined flavors. I got a little weepy more than once, and there were no onions in sight. If I learned anything this past summer, I think it’s this: I’d rather make mistakes— even big ones—than avoid effort and chance. I’d rather toss an entire pot of sauce if there’s a little burn on the bottom than try to rescue it with seasoning and salt. In dating, I’d rather look silly and vulnerable— occasionally—than perpetually too-coolto-be-bothered, which the Portland market seems to favor. And however things shake out with trysts near and far, I’d rather be romance’s fool than lament not ever exerting effort. Flavor, Hazan writes, builds up from the bottom; it is not a cover, it is a base. A foundation of flavor supports, lifts, points up the principal ingredients—an architectural principal I’m applying to all my recipes and relationships. And now that autumn is here, I can’t wait to see what soup season brings. PS: Speaking of stag, you should go to Stag. Email Daniel@PQMonthly.com pqmonthly.com
FEATURE
“YOU CAN’T BE WHAT YOU CAN’T SEE”: OREGON GOVERNOR KATE BROWN By Shaley Howard, PQ Monthly
support and cultivate the next generation of women leaders for Oregon. Kate Brown became the first openly bisexual woman PQ: It must have been a whirlwind the last 6 months and second female governor in the state of Oregon on Feb- since becoming Governor. What are some of the political ruary 18, 2015. For thousands, this was a momentous and and personal challenges you’ve had to experience? memorable day—a milestone for OreBrown: Taking office three weeks gonians and the nation. I had a chance into the legislative session—and to ask Governor Brown a few questions working to advance a legislative recently about her time in office so agenda and budgets I inherited from far and thoughts on being the second my predecessor—were definitely two female and first bisexual governor. of the biggest challenges. But my more PQ Monthly: Governor Brown, than 20 years of experience as a legisbeing the first bisexual and second lator and Oregon’s Secretary of State female Governor of Oregon what, if served me well in navigating what any, political and personal challenges might otherwise have been a difficult did you face in regard to your sexualtransition. I am fortunate to have the ity orientation and a woman? support of excellent staff, a very caring Gov. Brown: I understand that spouse, and strong network of friends nationally this was pretty big news and family as well. I am looking forwhen I took office, but I have been very ward to rolling out my administraopen for a long time about being bisextion’s agenda. ual, so to many Oregonians, it is not PQ: Do you feel your sexuality an issue. I continually work to refocus and/or sexual orientation has influthe discussion on finding solutions to enced your path as a leader? the issues and needs of the people and Brown: I went to law school to communities of this state rather than Shaley Howard, right, with Oregon Governor Kate Brown. acquire the tools I needed to change on me and my personal relationships. the world, and I initially sought public That said, I have been an advocate for the LGBTQ office to be the champion for people who traditionally have community my entire political career, and that will not not had a voice in the policy-making process. This includes change. It is important to have role models—you can’t be members of the LGBT community; also people with diswhat you cannot see. I also think women and girls benefit abilities, less financial means, children and working famifrom having good mentors, and I have been so fortunate to lies.The work I have done over the past two decades, in colhave had Gov. Barbara Roberts, Oregon’s first woman gov- laboration with legislators from both chambers and both ernor, as my mentor and friend for many years. She taught parties, has helped Oregon emerge as a national policy me through her example that we all have an obligation to leader in terms of equity and inclusion. There is still so
much more to be done, however, and I will continue to prioritize this work. PQ: What are you most proud of so far? Brown: I am so pleased to have the opportunity to make Oregon a better place for all of our families, and to see good progress being made. PQ: Who has been your biggest influence/role model? Brown: Governor Barbara Roberts PQ: What particular programs do you support for growing leaders in the LGBT community and why? Brown: There are many good programs and opportunities for leadership development in Oregon. Obviously, Basic Rights Oregon, the state’s chapter of the American Leadership Forum, and Emerge Oregon are excellent examples. Also, the Victory Fund established a scholarship at the JFK School of Public Policy at Harvard, and that is a great opportunity. Additionally, I have made a conscious effort throughout my career to reach out to and mentor the next generation of leaders from the LGBTQ community. I know those I have mentored are doing the same, because they see, as I do, now important mentorship is to ensuring strong and continuous leadership and representation in the public policy arena. PQ: If you could spend more time being involved in something, what would it be? Brown: Mentorship and leadership development programs for women such as Emerge Oregon, the Barbara Lee Institute and Girls State. PQ: If you could share one piece of advice with the public about what it’s like being bisexual and a woman in politics today, what would it be? Brown: Be yourself. The joy of living in this modern age is that it’s much more possible to be yourself than it once was. Be yourself.
FEATURES
pqmonthly.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 • 15
FEATURE GET OUT WEDDINGS
1
GET
OUT! Want more? We’ll give you ever ything. Head over to pqmonthly.com and check out our online calendar of events , submit your own events, and peruse photos from your reporters-abouttown. Also, remember to carefully examine our weekly weekend forecast — with the latest and greatest events — each Wednesday (sometimes Thursday), online only. --DANIEL BORGEN
VOICES STYLE DECONSTRUCTED
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
PQ Monthly Press Party. Mix and mingle with the makers of and the writers from your favorite queer newsmagazine. Come join us in celebrating the September edition of PQ Monthly, fresh off the presses, while enjoying the ample charms of one of our favorite new hot clubs, Stag. If you’ve never been (or even if you have!), here’s your chance to check out the lovely, lodgestyled environs, grab a drink, mingle with friends and make new ones. Good times all around. 5 p.m., Stag PDX, 317 NW Broadway. Free, as always. Hercules & Love Affair in Portland! The Butler-helmed dance music project arrives in Portland, with Nark, Roy G Biv, and many others in tow. Additionally, Chanti Darling performs. Hope we see you there! 9 p.m., Euphoria, 315 SE Third.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Peep Show has moved to Euphoria! But the location isn’t the only thing changing about Peep Show this month. They are changing up the
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EVERY SUNDAY
Drag Brunch: Testify at Stag with Alexis Campbell Starr. From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. every Sunday, Ms. Starr brings you the city’s hottest drag performers, drink specials (5 for $5 mimosas, $5 American Harvest Bloody Marys), and tasty brunch—all in the city’s hottest new bar. Be there promptly at 11, children. Ms. Starr demands it; and she brings so many guests. Stag, 317 NW Broadway. Samuel’s Hangover Happy Hour. Bloody Marys, friends, food, beats by Art of Hot and guests. It is an excellent recovery scenario. Mingle with queers in a very chill setting. 2 p.m.-7 p.m., Euphoria, 315 SE Third. Free. Superstar Divas. Bolivia Carmichaels, Honey Bea Hart, Topaz Crawford, Isaiah Tillman, and guest stars perform your favorite pop, Broadway, R&B, rock, and country hits. Dance floor opens after the show. Check out the newest and freshest Diva hits, plus a variety of diverse talent. 8 p.m., CC Slaughters, 219 NW Davis. Free!
DANCE
IT OUT
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show format a little bit and it’s going to be amazing, Artemis promises. Each artist will be given more stage time to be able to really showcase their amazing talents. But they will of course still be bringing you amazing variety, with singers, dancers, drag, burlesque and more in every show. And your hostess Artemis Chase will of course still be there to keep you laughing all night long. Go support local talent, queens! PS, this is Ms. Chase’s final show, so you must show up to send her off in true queer style. 9 p.m., Euphoria, 315 SE Third.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Boozy Brunch and Comedy Show: Grab your buddies for a boozy brunch and comedy show at the new Bit House Saloon. Master Barman Jesse Card (formerly of NE’s Knock Back) will serve up Bloody Marys and Mimosas while you grab a tasty breakfast sandwich (other cocktails will be available for purchase). You’ll experience the hilarious slate of local standup comics, including Gabe Dinger, Amy Miller, Bri Pruett, Sean Jordan, Whitney Street, Caitlin Weirhauser, Brian Nickerson, and Trevor Thorpe. This is also a great opportunity to experience the new Brit House Saloon (which just opened this summer), which extensively remodeled the space formerly held by longtime Portland staple, East Bank Saloon. Don’t miss the chance to network with other young professionals at this casual, fun, and hilarious event.
EVERY MONDAY
Family Home Evening. A weekly, post-work lounge party every Monday night at Vault, featuring DJ Orographic (Bridge Club, Queerlandia) and occasional special guests (Sappho fills in now and then). Jens Irish serves you happy hour all the live long night. 7 p.m.-11 p.m., Vault, 226 NW 12.
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Amateur night at Stag PDX, though they won’t look like amateurs, trust. Hosted by Godiva Devyne, come gawk at the pretty dancers. And talk some shit with the Devyne Ms. G. 9 p.m., Stag PDX, 317 NW Broadway.
EVERY THURSDAY
Hip Hop Heaven. Bolivia Carmichaels hosts this hip-hop-heavy soiree night every Thursday night at CCs. Midnight guest performers and shows. Remember those midnight shows at The City? Bolivia does! 9 p.m., CC Slaughters, 219 NW Davis. Free.
FIRST SATURDAYS
Sugar Town. DJ Action Slacks. Keywords: Soul, polyester. Great place to find the ladies, to mingle, to get your groove on. 9 p.m., The Spare Room, 4830 NE 42. $5.
SECOND TUESDAYS
Bi Bar—every second Tuesday at Crush, and it’s an open, bi-affirming space for music and mingling. Correction: Bi/Pan/Fluid/Queer. 8 p.m., Crush, 1400 SE Morrison.
Visit Our House’s website for more details, and to procure tickets!
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
This and EVERY third Monday: It’s an excellent time to get y active socializing on. Gay Skate is a joy. Meet queers and min with them outside the bar setting—maybe your dream lover will you to hold hands during couples’ skate. And there are themes n Themes! This September’s theme is Drag queens and kings, and can interpret that however the hell you’d like to. So bring it! Co dressed to impress and wine beautiful prizes, and look for our p lisher, who’s always handing out copies of PQ. And, you know, yo probably get a date. Every third Monday. Food drive for Take Ac Inc. 7 p.m., Oaks Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way. $6.
OCT. 1 THROUGH OCT. 3 IS 2015’S
Eden PNW! From the festival architects, which include PQ’s own Melanie Davis: “We are so excited to see all of you again this year at EDEN PNW. We are going back to where it all started—Seaside, OR, for a weekend getaway you will not forget. We can’t believe it’s that time again, but it is, and it’s our third year. We have had so much fun with you these last two years and we can’t wait to do it again. EDEN PNW is a four-day weekend getaway in Seaside, a gorgeous town on the Oregon Coast. We grew so m last year that we have added two overflow hotels (Ebb Tide and Tide) along with our host hotel, Shilo Oceanside. Depending on wh
SECOND FRIDAYS
Slo Jams is a Queer Modern R&B & Neo Soul Dance Night at Local Lounge. DJ II TRILL (TWERK) and DJ MEXXX-TAPE lay down everything from Mary J // Jagged Edge// Keyshia to Badu//Lauryn Etc. 10 p.m., Local Lounge, 3536 NE MLK. $5.
SECOND SATURDAYS
Hot Flash: Inferno. (Second and Fourth Saturdays) In the heart of Portland is where the women are—dancing the night away and burning up dance floors the second and fourth Saturdays of every mo at Trio. Welcoming all women, queers, their allies. DJ Lauren joins Wildfire, and night features dancers from up and do the I-5 corridor. 6 p.m.-10 p.m., Trio, 9 E. Burnside. Mrs.: The queen of theme and its g geous hostess, Kaj-Anne Pepper! We l her so. And dynamic DJ duo: Beyondado and Ill Camino. Costumes, photo booths the hits. Lots of ladies, very queer. 10 p. Mississippi Studios, 3939 N. Mississippi. $5.
THIRD WEDNESDAYS
Comedy at Crush: Our own Belinda Carroll and a slew of loc rustle up some funny. Special guests, and Crush’s signature cock and food menus. Donations, sliding scale. (Comics have to eat drink, too, so give!) 9 p.m., Crush, 1400 SE Morrison. pqmonthly.com
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you stay, rooms range from $69 a night to $229 a night. We got a room for every budget! You can get all the info you need on our website http://www.edenpnw.com/ We highly recommend booking your room NOW so you won’t miss out on our awesome room block prices. Once you land at your desired hotel everywhere you need to be is within short walking distance. From all the venues for EDEN PNW events, plus delicious places to eat, shop and play. And for one weekend in October, Seaside is full of lesbians, queers, a rainbow of people from the LGBT community and our allies. So make sure you join Eden.
OCTOBER 5
Kim Kizmet DeLacy opens for Peaches at the Roseland! You read it right, local queer rap phenom crowdsourced her way right onto the main stage, and you absolutely can’t miss it. Four dancers, and one hell of a show. Come see her so you can say you saw her when! 8 p.m., Roseland Theater, 8 NW 6. Check ticket prices online.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10
The Tankside Tail Gunner, End of Summer Party. As the riding season starts to come to an end you can count on our sister publication, Tankside, to hear things up. On October 10, Tankside will host its first annual Tail Gunner Party at Cascade Bar and Grill, with live entertainment by The Kooltones. Tankside will provide an assortment of appetizers, and $3 well drinks. Additionally, they will
Queens of the Night: Alexis Campbell Starr. That’s all you need to know. But there’s more: she always welcomes a special slew of talented queens for a night that takes Hip-Hop from beginning to end. 8 p.m., Local Lounge, 3536 NE MLK. Free.
THIRD THURSDAYS
Polari. Troll in for buvare. Back-in-the-day language, music, and elegance. An ease-you-into-theweekend mixer. Bridge Club boys make the music. Bridge and tunnel patrons have no idea what to do with us when we pour in. Hint: it’s always the Thursday we go to press. What serendipitous fortune! 10 p.m., Vault, 226 NW 12. Free.
THIRD SATURDAYS
Burlescape! Burlesque & boylesque wrapped in a taste of tease! Zora Phoenix, Isaiah Esquire, Tod Alan. (And there’s more than that, kids.) Zora is a treat and a treasure—and so are her shows. Try one out! 9 p.m., Crush, 1400 SE Morrison. $10. We’re featuring all of Zora’s events online, so get on the net. Gaycation: DJ Charming always welcomes special guests—and here you’ll find everything lesbian, gay, and in between. Be early so you can actually get a drink. Sweaty deliciousness, hottest babes. THE party. Yes, boys, even you can hit on Mr. Charming. We know you want to. 9 p.m., Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison. $5. Undergear: Eagle Portland’s monthly underwear, jock, mankini, etc., fetish party every third Saturday. Free if you arrive before 9 p.m. or if you use free pqmonthly.com
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have some vendors onsite. If you were at our Tankside Launch Party back in May—you know they had over 200 people show up on all makes and models. This event will easily be doubling that—so get there early as this event is free and open to the public (must be 21+ with valid ID). Happy riding season till then, from your Tankside Team. 15000 SE Mill Plain Boulevard, Vancouver. 3 p.m.
OCTOBER 17
Lumbertwink returns! It’s hard to believe it’s nearly time to begin thinking about Halloween, but it absolutely is. And here: Lumbertwinks! We are finally back for our Fall party in Portland at Funhouse Lounge. Sport some wood at Lumbertwink and get dressed up in plaid or full Halloween costume. Deejay Freddy King of Pants (SEA) and Bridge Club and Polari’s Pocket Rock-It. 9 p.m., Funhouse Lounge, 2432 SE Eleventh.
clothes check upon entry after. After 9 p.m. arrivals who do not check clothes must pay $5 entry. Clothes check and raffle prize provided by Cub Cleaners. Eagle Portland, 835 N. Lombard.
FOURTH FRIDAYS
Twerk. (Twerk has moved venues!) 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. We promise you you’ll move all night long. 10 p.m., Killingsworth Dynasty, 832 N Killingsworth. $5.
FOURTH SATURDAYS
Blow Pony. Two giant floors. Wide variety of music, plenty of room for dancing. Rowdy, crowdy, sweaty betty, the one tried and true, even after all these years. 9 p.m., Euphoria, 315 SE 3. $5. Judy on Duty. Lesbian hardcore. Judys, Judes, and cool ass freaks. Dance it out. DJ Troubled Youth. Organized by Ana Margarita and Megan Holmes. 10 p.m., High Mark Water Lounge, 6800 NE MLK.
LAST SUNDAYS
Sabbathhause Discotheque, gay night is back at Aalto lounge and it is bigger and more queer than ever before. Featuring some of the best deejays and performers around and hosted by night hawk Chanticleer Tru. 8 p.m., Aalto Lounge, 3356 SE Belmont.
WEDDINGS FEATURES VOICES GET OUT THE BRILLIANT LIST
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Stranger Disco: Four of your favorites team up at one of your favorites. As summer wanes, you’ll enjoy Vendetta’s gorgeous patio one last time. (Oh, who are we kidding, we’ll be there all winter.) Regardless: come dance to the queerest tunes this side of the Mississippi. Stormy Roxx, Sapho, Vera Rubin, and Roy G Biv will make you move on the makeshift dance floor. There will be atmospherics, soundscapes, visuals, lights, and, of course, the best vibes around (that’s where you come in). Be nice to Vendetta’s neighbors, queers, we’d all like to keep having parties there. 9 p.m., Vendetta, 4306 N Williams. $5. Hi art, hi fashion, hello queers.
PQ PICKS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Give us a beat; 5,4,3,2,1…It’s Club Kai-Kai time! Here’s the deal/plan/agenda/lunch-lady special: Dancing, heaving breathing, sweating, and impromptu drag performances by the Kweens/Kings of the night, and most importantly YOU (get up on that stage, feel the fuck out of that floor, let your inner-self feel and serve whatever-the-fuck it is you want to serve and feel). This is a house party, drag on acid, circuit-party-goth-90s-where’s-my-drink-kween scenario. This month the party has two Seattle party-royalties, and three local PDX-party-purveyors gracing our stage and DJ decks to keep your senses on edge and your body moving like Paradise Garage is knock-knockknockin the fuck out of heaven’s door. Our un-official theme is Disney Prinzest; Ibiza got its groove back. RiffRaff, Buckmaster, Amoania, Stacy Stl Lisa, and much, much more. 9 p.m., Lovecraft, 421 SE Grand. $5.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Out on the sQuare Block Party (formerly Gay Fair on the Square) presented by Q Center: Join the Q Center and dozens of LGBTQ & allied community organizations and businesses at Out on the sQuare 2015—Sunday, September 27th at Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland from Noon to 5 p.m. Founded in 2009 as “Gay Fair on the Square,” this fun event highlights a diverse myriad of non-profit and businesses that support Oregon & SW Washington’s LGBTQ communities. Plus, you get to listen to the various queer choruses from throughout the region—it’s truly an afternoon of music and merriment. Out on the sQuare is a safe and supportive event for all—especially those who are newly out, curious & questioning, or new to the Pacific Northwest. This year, the event aims to provide information and entertainment to over 5,000 people at Pioneer Courthouse Square. So come join the fun and learn more about our community at Out on the sQuare 2015. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 • 17
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THE EQUI INSTITUTE PARTNERS WITH THE Q CENTER! By Sossity Chiricuzio, PQ Monthly
The Equi Institute has been changing the landscape of Trans and Queer healthcare in Portland for several years now, teaching Trans-competent seminars for healthcare providers and staff, training Naturopath and Medical students, going toe-to-toe with insurance companies and local hospitals, and providing free wellness clinics for Trans and Genderqueer patients without insurance. Most of the ‘they’ in this instance is the founder, Dr. Angela Carter, a Naturopathic Primary Care physician and Midwife who believes the Dr. Carter, above. Phot by Natalia Kay O’Brien. health of the community has a strong impact on the health of its members. They* volunteer with the LGBTQ Health Coalition of the Columbia Willamette, Outside-In’s Transgender Health Clinic, and Basic Rights Oregon and also works as a health advocate, teaching medical students and staff
18 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
about LGBTQ health care and Natural Childbirth at Portland area schools and clinics. This radical approach mirrors the Institute’s namesake, Dr. Marie Equi, a lesbian, socialist-anarchist, feminist physician serving marginalized communities in Portland at the turn of the 20th century. The plan has always been to expand into a full service Queer/Trans healthcare clinic and community center, and thanks to a recent decision by the Q Center to give the Equi Institute fiscal sponsorship, they will finally have the space, the staff, and the focus to grow into that much needed resource. The fiscal sponsorship means that they can file for grants under the Q Centers non-profit status, a big plus in fundraising, and for space within the Q Center itself, including treatment rooms, a waiting area, and a conference/ workshop space. With a second doctor joining the team (Dr. Name Name), and two more by the summer of 2016, the Equi Institute will be able to serve the vast and growing needs of the Oregon and Washington Queer/Trans communities. I spoke to Dr. Carter about the specifics of what the Equi Institute will offer, the current state of Queer/Trans healthcare, and the role of the Q Center, and community in this venture. PQ: For those people who aren’t as familiar with the issues involved: what will make this experience different than a general population health clinic? Carter: The institute is based in Naturopathic philosophy; prevention and patient empowerment are central to the work we do, and herbal and nutritional therapies and other treatments that support rather than suppress the body, are our tools. We are also a clinic by and for the community. When you come to the Equi Institute, you are assured you will have a provider who is from your community, understands your needs and culture, is passionate about creating health equity and social justice, and doesn’t judge you. The Equi institute is dedicated to providing patient centered, patient driven care that is tailored to the needs of the individual. Everyone’s health needs are unique, and many options exist to choose from. I see our job as physicians to help teach and empower people to find the best path for themselves to wellness. THE EQUI INSTITUTE PARTNERS WITH THE Q CENTER page 21
pqmonthly.com
COMMUNITY
PERS{ECTOVES FASHION
TOWN CRIER: COMMUNITY NEWS! Cascade AIDS Project Receives Big PrEP stein will become Acting Executive Director Grant: CAP Receives $150,000 to Build for the duration of the transition. It has been Awareness Of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis my great pleasure to support the work of the (PrEP) As HIV Prevention Option. Equity Foundation. I have met so many great Oregon’s largest and oldest AIDS service people who love Equity. Thanks to you, we organization, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is have put our mission into action. Because pleased to announce that it received a grant of you, we have been able to fund Oregon of $150,000 to increase public awareness non-profits that are helping LGBTQ youth, and engagement on the issue of Pre-Expo- our transgender community, people living sure Prophylaxis (PrEP). The grant funded with HIV/AIDS and other groups that meanby Gilead Sciences, Inc. will ingfully engage the community allow CAP to create programaround issues of equality. And ming needed to increase thank you again for the love and access and use of PrEP to support you’ve shown me and prevent HIV infections in our Equity Foundation over the last community. few years. I hope our paths cross Federal guidelines again soon.” announced by the Center for More Equity news: Equity Disease Control (CDC) recomFo u n d a t i o n i s p r o u d t o mend that PrEP be considered announce that they have for people who are HIV-negaawarded $85,400 in scholartive and at substantial risk for ship funding to 23 LGTBTQ HIV infection. When taken Collymore, above, formerly of Equity and allied students for the consistently, PrEP has been Foundation. 2015-2016 school year. shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection Equity Foundation is host to some of in people who are at high risk by up to 92%. Oregon’s longest standing scholarships. Our PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool and scholarship program is supported by memshould be combined with condoms and bers of the LGBTQ and allied community other prevention methods to provide even who are committed to assisting students greater protection than when used alone. of all ages fund their education. With their However, studies have shown that public support, we are able to provide financial health interventions are necessary to ensure assistance to students like Neil Panchmathat PrEP is being used appropriately and tia, who is pursuing a Master’s in Clinical effectively. Rehabilitation Counseling at Portland State CAP’s programming will include assess- University and hopes to work with Porting the state of PrEP awareness and referrals land’s refugee and immigrant communities. among LGBTQ-friendly medical providers And Leslie Perez-Cervantes, a biochemisand community health organizations and try major at Linfield College, who plans to increasing public understanding of PrEP pursue a career in pediatric medicine and usage to prevent HIV infections. Program provide healthcare to low-income families. goals include linking clients to a medical We are excited to support students provider, empowering them to advocate for like Neil and Leslie who are committed to themselves with their health care provider, advancing equity for communities across helping clients navigate patient assistance Oregon. Congratulations to all of Equity’s payment programs, and providing support 215 scholarship recipients! to ensure that adherence to the medication. “CAP has supported and advocated for the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus Performs use of PrEP since it was approved by the FDA in Bend. in July 2012,” said Tyler TerMeer, CAP Execu“ABBAQueen,” by the Portland Gay Men’s tive Director. “It is critical that the public be Chorus, is Saturday, September 19, at 7 p.m. informed about this important tool in the at First Presbyterian Church, 230 NE 9 Street. fight against HIV. Failing to move PrEP for- Clifford Cook, Vice-President of the Human ward will have real world consequences in our Dignity Coalition and the coordinator of the community including more HIV infections concert, had this to say, “This is a once in that could have otherwise been prevented.” a decade opportunity to hear and see the “I cannot stress this enough, HIV is a public PGMC perform right here in Central Oregon. health emergency,” stated Caitlin Wells, CAP This is the same concern they performed for Director of Prevention & Education. “We need Portland Pride, now being brought to Central to use every tool in our toolkit to prevent new Oregon by the PGMC to benefit Human Diginfections in our community. PrEP is one of nity Coalition, PFLAG Central Oregon, and those tools, but to be used effectively people the GSA Clubs of Central Oregon.” and service providers need to be educated Tickets are just $20 for VIP Seats, $15 about PrEP. This grant will allow us to do this for GA, and $10 for seniors 65+, and stuwork effectively and on a large scale.” dents. Tickets are available at http://bendticket/go/ABBAQueen. Cook says over 400 Karol Collymore, Executive Director of people are expected to attend, so people Equity Foundation, resigns; Equity Awards are encouraged to buy tickets in advance. $85,400 in scholarships. Sponsors helping with this specific perFrom Collymore: “After two and a half formance are Bill Dickey of Morel Ink, and years and many great strides at Equity Foun- Equity Foundation, based in Portland. The dation, I have decided to take another step Portland Gay Men’s Chorus is sponsoring in my career. I’ve accepted a position with their performance so it can be a significant the State of Oregon’s Early Learning Division fundraising event. --Compiled by Daniel Borgen as their Public Affairs Director. Dani Bernpqmonthly.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 • 19
ARTS NIGHTLIFE
“BREAKFAST ON PLUTO”: A ‘90S TRANS CLASSIC By Leela Ginelle, PQ Monthly
A shelf containing well-told stories by cis writers about trans characters need not be long, for it would contain few works. One exempting those with problematic material would be even shorter. A story that earns its place, however, is By virtually every account, Cillian Murphy, above, Breakfast On Pluto, in performed brilliantly in the film adaptation of both its novel form, by Breakfast on Pluto. Patrick McCabe, and film adaptation from director Neil Jordan. Written in 1998, before the recent flush of trans visibility and acceptance, and set in the even more distant 1970s, Breakfast On Pluto is told in the voice of Pussy Braden, a sort of trans woman pioneer from the small Irish town of Tyreelin, who recounts her life’s journey in vignette form at the behest of her counselor. Pussy (her chosen name) is the illegitimate child of her town’s priest, whose mother abandoned her at birth. Mistreated by her foster mother, and rejected socially due to her burgeoning gender expression, Pussy develops a stance of campy oppositionalism. This outlook further hardens when she learns the truth about her parentage. Once she leaves home, Pussy’s life becomes a picaresque series of adventures, many of them sexual. What lends her story its poignancy is her persistent desire to create the loving home she never experienced.
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In the 2005 film, Pussy is portrayed, beautifully, by Cillian Murphy. Casting cis actors in trans roles is rightly contentious. I personally give the practice a pass on this occasion, because it predates, by many years, the current awareness on the topic. Murphy imbues the part with a dazzling blend of superficiality and steel. Pussy, in Murphy’s portrayal, is constantly evading both her own feelings and the ambient disapproval that greets her every desire and action. She pursues love, despite her belief it can only lead to loss. McCabe himself wrote the script to Jordan’s film, which is decidedly more optimistic than the novel. I’d assumed, on initially comparing the two, that such changes were imposed by commercial forces, but a lengthy interview with the two men by critic John Maguire suggests rather that the writer enjoyed carte blanche, and that the new outlook came about organically. Comparing the two works, it’s fun, if a little puzzling, to see the changes McCabe makes to his story. In the novel, Pussy leaves her foster home to become the kept woman of a local politician. In the movie, it’s a touring rock singer who installs her in his cottage house. In both stories the lover is killed in relation to his involvement with the IRA. In both the book and the movie she travels to London and becomes a sex worker, nearly dying at the hands of a sadistic customer (played onscreen by Bryan Ferry!). In the book she becomes the side woman to a nightclub singer. In the film, she’s a magician’s assistant to a sympathetic illusionist—with a cruel streak—played by Stephen Rea. By the end one senses McCabe hasn’t just made a few cosmetic choices, so much as invented an entire alternate life for Pussy, out of an irrepressible desire for yarn spinning. This sense, likely erroneous, comes from the joy one receives at imbibing the writer’s prose, much of which is preserved in the film’s generous voice-overs.
Pussy’s first-person narration—funny, flip, and crude— buoys the reader through what is, at bottom, a painful, at times horrific, story of marginalization, danger and ambient political terror. Pussy’s preoccupations with movie magazines and makeup brands never read as superficial affectations, but rather as a coping strategy on the one hand, and emblems of defiance toward an intolerant society on the other, a point McCabe underscores through her near total retreat into them at a point of great trauma. Where McCabe creates a bright, shiny, confectionary world from words, Jordan uses costumes and songs to evoke a glammy ‘70s world, and trace Pussy’s slow, often contested journey from androgyny to womanhood. IRA terror activity is woven throughout both the novel and film versions of Breakfast on Pluto. A topic Pussy displays little interest in, it hovers like an inexplicable form of masculine aggression all around her, leading to the death of her lover and childhood friends, and her mistaken arrest following a bombing in London. One never senses McCabe judges Pussy’s political detachment, or her preoccupations with love and loss. In the book, which was short-listed for the prestigious Booker Prize in Britain, he portrays her in all her humanity. Neither a martyr nor an object of sensation, she emerges, rather, as the rarest of trans women in fiction: the “warts and all” human being. The great theme of Breakfast on Pluto is the emptiness suffered by Pussy owing to her lack of familial love, and her efforts to fill the resultant void. The issue is addressed more directly in the film than the book and, not to give too much away, is resolved there more happily, as well. While I loved the book and savored its tasty prose, I preferred the film for the happiness Pussy enjoys there. In fiction, as in life, it’s nice to see things look up for a trans woman once now and then.
pqmonthly.com
CALENDAR
THE EQUI INSTITUTE PARTNERS WITH THE Q CENTER Continued from page 18
PQ: How can other health care providers make their services/company more trans competent? Carter: There are lots of simple ways to make your clinic more Trans welcoming and affirming; a pamphlet in the waiting room about trans health, including a space to write preferred name and pronouns on intake documents and using those respectfully when talking to and about your patients, and getting specialty continuing medical training from the upcoming Gay and Lesbian Medical Association conference and the LGBTQ Meaningful Care Conference. The Equi Institute also offers continuing medical education for providers and agencies interested in improving their knowledge and competency in providing care for the LGBTQI community. PQ: What is the role of the Q Center in this expansion? Carter: Q center’s executive director dream team, Stacey Rice and Justin Pabalate learned from Equi Institute Board Co-chair, Natalia Kay-O’Brien, that the Equi Institute was seeking a larger and more community-central location to increase capacity for serving the LGBTQI community. They stepped forward in July 2015 to offer fiscal sponsorship. The plan is that we will take up residence in January, 2016 after we build the space to suit the clinic. We are very excited to partner with Q center to create a health focus in our community’s heart. PQ: How can people help support this effort/clinic? Carter: We will be doing a crowd funding outreach to the community to raise money for the build out of the Q center to make clinic space. Tax deductible donations may also be made in our name to the Q-Center as soon as our fiscal sponsorship is official in October. We’ll be updating our Facebook page and website regularly: @equiinstitute and equi-institute.org. PQ: Where do you see this clinic in five years? Carter: I am ambitious, perhaps, but I would love to see the clinic expand into a research facility and advocacy center and join forces with other LGBTQI support organizations in a large health focused commu-
nity center. Good health care has historically been out of reach for so many because of discrimination, poverty, racism, misogyny, and the like. My dream is to walk into a space where awesome queers are dancing to Richard Simmons with Transercise, where I can go talk to a doctor and get clear health information on PrEP and how it might affect my hormone therapy, then go to a queer/trans SMART recovery meeting, then get a massage from a person who understands trans bodies, then have a coffee in a queer owned shop next to the Oregon Archival LGBTQI library. PQ: Are there any other similar clinics in operation? Carter: There are several clinics we have drawn from in terms of model and structure; we tip our hat to Callen-Lorde, Lyon-Martin and Fenway for their pioneering work in creating LGBTQI focused health care centers, and locally we have great appreciation for the work Outside In and Old Town Clinic have done in caring for the LGBTQI community. There are several conferences around the country where providers can learn and improve on the care they offer to transgender people. PQ: Any advice on advocacy or self-care for queer/trans people who don’t have similar resources in their area? Carter: Lots of my patients come to me from small towns across Oregon, Washington and beyond because there is no one willing to take on transgender care in their area. It’s not right that anyone should have to drive 4-6 hours to get competent basic health care. If you can’t find a doctor in your area who is willing to give you care, go to the local hospital and demand that this need be filled. As a doctor, I can tell you, providing hormone therapy and primary care to a transgender person is not that complicated to manage. No one, especially someone focused on endocrinology, should tell you it’s too hard, or they don’t have the time to learn. Hospitals in rural areas need to be made aware that many are failing in this area by not providing education to their providers, or insisting their providers get training. Know that it is your right and also an important way to support your community to demand excellent care, and report poor care.
SAVE THE DATE! PQ PRESS PARTY OCTOBER 15th AT: • October 15th, 2015, 5P.M.-7 P.M. THE BOSSANOVA BALLROOM (722 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214)
LIFE IS GOOD. ENJOY THE RIDE!
*Dr. Carters preferred pronoun is ‘they.’ You can find more info about this online at: theyismypronoun.tumblr.com
www.paradiseh-d.com • 10770 SW Cascade Avenue, Tigard • 503-924-3700 pqmonthly.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 • 21
NIGHTLIFE
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22 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
QUEER HEROES
Ellen Summers was a powerhouse in the transgender community, both in Portland and internationally, before there was much of a transgender community at all. Before approximately 1980, folks on the trans* spectrum tended to be isolated, either hiding or hoping to “pass.” Ellen wanted that situation to change. She helped found Northwest Gender Alliance (NWGA) in 1980. She served on the board of the International Foundation for Gender Education from 1987 until her death in 1994. She became deeply involved with Tri Ess (Society for the Second Self ) on the national level. She helped establish Dreams, a trans gathering held in Lincoln City for many years; and in 1990, she helped start Esprit, the trans convention that transforms Port Angeles, WA, every year. Ellen could certainly organize, but locally she is remembered for her kindness, warmth, and tireless service. She held every leadership role in NWGA, but found her niche as secretary, which allowed her to correspond with hundreds of trans individuals worldwide. She would research local laws on crossdressing for people unsure about their local situations. She was always willing to meet with trans individuals and their spouses, to help them understand what it meant to be transgender. In a time when safety was a real concern, she went to great lengths to make people feel welcome and safe, and keep those who do harm away. Thirty years after the fact, those memories are still strong. Ellen died of prostate cancer in December of 1994. In an interview with Basic Rights Oregon four years ago, Maurice Evans said: “I got involved in this work because few people
at the time wanted to work with people with HIV/AIDS. I was diagnosed with HIV in 1983 and I was losing friends at a staggering rate and the only thing that kept me sane was to begin working to support and provide hope to my peers and work to help end all the suffering & dying.” He is the lead of a nationally-recognized program at Cascade AIDS Project (CAP), improving health outcomes among HIV-positive individuals with complex life situations. He developed our region’s only support and empowerment program for the HIV-positive Black/African American community. He developed and facilitated health-focused workshops for incarcerated people in partnership with Oregon’s Department of Corrections. As a person of faith, Maurice has mobilized organizations such as the Albina Ministerial Alliance to increase LGBTQ inclusiveness and promote awareness and testing for sexually transmitted diseases. Maurice has planned and fundraised for Portland’s annual Black Pride. He regularly volunteers with PFLAG Portland’s Black Chapter, and he served on the African American AIDS Awareness Action Alliance (A6). At the state level, Maurice is an appointee on Oregon Health Authority’s Integrated Planning Group, developing the comprehensive HIV/VH/STI prevention, treatment, and care plan for the entire state. He also serves on the Governor’s Health Equity Committee, creating statewide policy aimed at reducing health disparities. We’re proud to include Maurice Evans among our Queer Heroes for 2015.
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ARTS & CULTURE STYLE
TURN A LOOK, BACK TO SCHOOL (AND GYM TEACHER) EDITION By Sally Mulligan, PQ Monthly
This summer’s heat wave and its impending conclusion has me dreaming of longer nights, chilly days, and a serious change up of my look. The season not only requires it, as the booty shorts and crop tops of summer will not do much to ensure my survival through winter, but as the leaves change and the back to school chatter starts, I can’t help but consider this time of year a fresh start. When I started to think about the idea of back to school, I took a look back at my time in school as a little baby queerdo trying to do her own thing and fit in at the same time. I know nostalgia comes with smoke and mirrors, and time softens the sharp edges of our harsh lived experiences, which is surely why I look back on this time at least somewhat fondly. Compulsory schooling is hard enough, and for many in our community, our queerness only added to the isolation of adolescence. I love the idea that we can have a do over, in a way, by taking the costumes and stereotypes we gravitated to or away from in our youth. Reclaiming these identities and adding more queer can be the ultimate read. POP TART You don’t need to major in Psych to tell me that my unhealthy fascination with the popular girls at my school was actually a healthy dose of Hidden Lesbianism. Talk about a femme root, right? The denim mini skirts, faux fur, the full on wardrobe changes in between classes, and the mastery of the hair flip. If I was the sardonic Janis Ian, I really did have a big lesbian crush on the Regina Georges of the world. The take no shit attitude of the high school alpha female continues to inspire me. So why not wear pink this Wednesday? Pop the rhinestones off the ass of your velour Juicy track pants and glue them to your cheeks before hitting the club? Embrace cropped sweaters, bright colors, and all things stereotypical of youth culture without any of the shame it used to come with. Femme is a feeling, y’all, regardless of gender. Have a crush on yourself. BURNOUT Don’t loadies generally hang on that grassy knoll over there? Indeed they do. We all need and deserve to find our community, and if smoking a j and having a chill time are your jam, this look is for you. Think Ty and Travis, Rayanne Graff, Jeff Spicoli, but with a little polish. Luckily for us, comfy and chic aren’t mutually exclusive. The return of flannel and fashion sweats ensures that you can have your edibles and eat them too. Consider this an opportunity to embrace blanket dresses, ripped jeans, jersey drop crotch pants, combat boots, and skate shoes. Looking for a more nuanced look? Take the 70s route with high-waisted jeans, flowy tops, feathered hair, and Birkenstocks. Comfort is key when you’re cruising around on a Saturday night. Check ya later! OLD MONEY They had style, they had grace. They had rich parents and a shitty attitude. But when we talk about “queering” we are talking about taking the parts that continue to serve and nurture us, and ditch the bits that hold us back. Think about the evil Heathers, Blair Waldorf, and all the conniving prepsters of the world. You have to hand it to them, these Type-A types don’t let anything get in the way of their ambitions. Those of us who were socialized as female often have an even harder time manifesting our goals and desires. What if we took inspiration from these old money types and just go went it? And of course we should dress the part! Luckily for those of us who weren’t raised with the money to back our dreams or our dream wardrobe, preppy plaids and bitchy blazers are easily thrifted. Shoulder pads, pussybow blouses, red scrunchies, frumpy hem lengths and big earrings are all highly encouraged. And can we talk about bringing back the white sneaker with panty hose look for the gay on the go? Let me know what you think! YOUR GYM TEACHER Hear me out on this one! Was every gym teacher you ever had a jock with a raging case of homo, or was it just me? Queering the homo coach is a big one for me. As a chubby teen turned proud fat femme, I needn’t tell you how deeply I loathed Phys Ed, and all the shouting, sweating, gross outfit wearing and panting that came with it. My #1 enemy? The overbearing, whistleblowing, short shorts sporting coach. But after more than a decade without sporting school colors, my resentment has started to wane and I concede that that is a pretty fierce look. I’m into the androgynous leanings of sweatshirts and knee socks. Add a whistle and some cute sneaks, but just don’t ask me to run laps. I don’t sweat darlings, I strobe. My theory is that we can start to reconcile the mixed emotions that come with adolescence by leaning in, dressing the part, and knowing that we were all in this together. Have a high school horror story or wardrobe scare that you want to share? I would love to hear them! See you in class, TTYL!
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 • 23
GLAPN BOOKS
LIZ RODRIGUEZ GIVEN MARIPOSA AWARD By George T. Nicola, GLAPN
Portlander Liz Rodriguez’s commitment to the LGBTQ c o m m u nity has been extensive. For several years, she has been Co-Chair of Portland Latino Gay Pride (PLGP). In this role, Liz helps bring events to Portland which celebrate and recognize the talents, contributions, and experiences of the LGBTQ Latino/a community. Liz is also a Co-Chair of Multnomah County Prism. According to the County, Prism is an “ERG [employee resource group] focusing on ensuring equity and inclusion for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) County employees and providing a place for LGBTQ employees to support each other’s professional growth. Prism members come from many different backgrounds and work at all levels and
all departments throughout the County.” In her role as Prism Co-Chair, Liz advocates for and provides opportunities and events which help create a safe space and resource for Multnomah County LGBTQ and gender variant employees. She also helps develop strategies and action plans to identify and address the challenges LGBTQ people face as a community. Liz was instrumental in having LGBTQ community activists invited to a 2013 Multnomah County Board meeting where they spoke in support of National Coming Out Day. After the testimony, the Board passed a proclamation designating October 11, 2013 as National Coming Out Day in Multnomah County. In Pride season 2015, Liz invited GLAPN to address Prism on Oregon LGBTQ history. Liz also invited Prism and other community members to address the County Board in June of this year. Following the testimony, the Board unanimously declared June 2015 to be Pride month. In recognition to Liz’s many efforts and contributions, Portland Latino Gay Pride presented Liz with its 2015 Mariposa Award.
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VOICES MUSIC
This Ends Badly ELECTILE DYSFUNCTION: THE DATING PROFILES By Michael James Schneider, PQ Monthly
FeelTheBern69
537 Miles Away 74 Years Old 5’8”, 162 lbs, Some Hair I Am Into: Geeks, College, Daddy Chasers Open To: Friendships, Relationships, Dates, Elizabeth Warren as a running mate. What I’m Looking For: My socks! Haha. Looking for a reason to delete this app. Fiscal Top but social Bottom. Looking for someone to bring home to mom. Intelligence, self-awareness, confidence a must. Currently job hunting/interviewing so may relocate in November of 2016, please be open to relocate too. Like to read, take walks, go to the gym but not lately haha. Sometimes shy until I warm up to people. Want to Netflix and chill? HMU. Tested neg 8/2015 and poz friendly. Thanks for all the woofs guys, sorry I can’t reply to everyone.
NiceGuyJeb
1,244 Miles Away 62 Years Old 6’3”, 185 lbs, Hairy I Am Into: Geeks, College, Muscle, Daddy Chasers, Daddies, Twinks, Jocks Open To: Relationships What I’m Looking For: New on here and just checking it out. Come from a big family. INTJ on the Myers-Briggs scale. Occasional smoker but trying to quit. Likes: gardening, my dog, the beach, cooking, travel, just got into Crossfit. Looking for someone to complete me, make me laugh, recognize that we are all flawed and people make mistakes. Once stole an election to give to my brother but got help afterwards and I don’t do that anymore. Please be normal. Snapchat: @JebBush
RODham2016
1,206 Miles Away 67 Years Young 5’6”, 140 lbs, Smooth
I Am Into: Jocks, Muscle, College, Daddies Open To: Friendships, Relationships, Dates What I’m Looking For: No face, no reply! If I wanted pictures of dicks I would go onto LinkedIn. Into cooking, eating (sometimes too much, lol), politics, yoga, mental health, wine tastings. Enjoy life one day at a time, have a great job where I travel a lot, but willing to settle down in a year or so. Sorry will only chat with single people. Emotionally available and vulnerable, UB too, please. Looking to get into 4 or 8 year relationship, not looking for a quick hookup or to parTy. Don’t like to chat a lot on this app, let’s meet up IRL. If you have nice legs I’ll ignore your personality flaws. Check out my Instagram: @hillaryclinton. Follow for follow. Not a bottom.
TrumpBearLooking4Fun >250 Feet Away 69 Years Old 215 lbs, Very Hairy
I am: Discreet, Bear, Daddy, Leather Open To: Random Play/NSA, Networking What I’m Looking For: Deleting this profile tomorrow. NO FATS NO FEMS. Masc4Masc ONLY. Total dom top, hung and hairy for same only. No illegals. Into gun-play. If you open your mouth and a purse falls out of it we’re probably not a good match. Not into the Washington DC “scene” and if you are we probably won’t be a good match. If I unlock my pics and you don’t, then I’ll block you and we’re probably not a good match. Men not “boi”s. Be okay with unconventional hair styles. PNP? Sure. Married but we play together ONLY. Don’t be a liar. No kissing. Just because I viewed your profile doesn’t mean I’m interested. Please no “woofs.” Hey a lot of my pics have been stolen lately, THESE GUYS ARE NOT ME. PLEASE REPORT THEM. Thanks. No expectations.
Michael James Schneider is based in Portland, OR. He writes about dating and matters of the heart for his wildly unpopular and poorly-named blog, BLCKSMTHdesign.com. His first fiction book, The Tropic Of Never, is available on Amazon.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 • 25
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VOICES VOICES
THE SECRET LIFE OF SUMMER SEASONS: YOU CAN’T JUST PRAY THE GAY AWAY
Summer Seasons, right, with Lulu Luscious. By Summer Seasons, Special for PQ Monthly
At the age of 15 or 16, right around the time I started to realize I was gay, I also felt very conflicted religiously. I no longer identified with my Catholic upbringing because it seemed so old-fashioned and I was on a quest to find something better. My friends told me about this cool and hip Mega Church nearby and how amazing it was and I was instantly interested. Walking in to that place on youth night was like a rock concert, and I wanted to be involved in all of it. I started going every chance I could and it felt incredible to be involved. To me, I found a place where I felt like I belonged. We started doing street missions in Portland, and even did a Youth Gospel Camp, and all I wanted to do was spread the word of God and Jesus. Shortly thereafter a mission trip to Hollywood, California, became available and I was IN! We were going to go down there and share the Word of God to all the people who needed us. It was very soon after I arrived that I realized there were also other plans, that they had forgot to mention to us. You see, we had arrived during the Gay Pride festival in Hollywood, and along with doing Youth Gospel Camps, we were going to go out in the afternoons and help the homosexuals find Jesus and become straight again. We were gonna make them pray the gay away. The Youth Gospel camp became the highlight of my trip as the rest of it became something I resented for a very long time after. I loved teaching those kids about God, and providing them with meals and school supplies so that they could have a fair shot at life, but then the night would come and a heavy dread always fell on me. We were walking the streets looking for homos to hand out flyers to, and one night, and
this young kid Justin came up to me from another church group. He looked at me and knew I wasn’t happy, and told me he wasn’t either. He told me about how his parents had kicked him out and he was living with his pastor but that the street ministry we were doing here didn’t feel right. Somehow, without even knowing who I was or what I was about, I just knew it was wrong too. We became instant friends. We went to a few meetings that the flyers had set up with gays, lesbians, drag queens, and transgender people all seeking the Word of God—not necessarily to not be gay anymore, but they had a genuine interest in learning about the Lord. I remember Justin and I sitting in the back giggling about how ridiculous it all seemed and how strange some of them seemed dressed, but boy did we not want to have anything to do with it. We watched those pastors talk down to people, tell them they weren’t good enough, threaten them with hell for all eternity, all just to make them straight again. Some of them did claim they were “healed,” a la Focus on The Family style, but most of them just left bewildered and upset that they couldn’t be loved for who they were. Justin and I formed an unbreakable friendship over this, and many years later, looking back at the picture of him, that I still have, I should’ve known he was gay also. We both left Hollywood with each other’s phone numbers and addresses and vowed to stay in contact. We both came home and more or less stopped our involvement with those churches and went on to pursue other faiths, Baha’i for me and Judaism for him, and we wrote each other very often. He always spoke of the troubles his family was having with him, while I seemed to live my life happily, through my wonderful opportunities to travel internationally, and finally allowing my family to know who I really was. We often talked about running away and being roommates together and then one day the letters just stopped. I got a return to sender letter from his pastor saying to no longer write there, Justin was no longer a part of their family, and that any and all communication between the two of us should cease. I was completely devastated. It felt like I had lost my best friend, and I had. I wrote a few more times after that, and I never got the letters back or a response, but I hoped that at least Justin got to see them. When I think about it now, I know what the real issue was all along. We both were gay, and both of us struggled to accept who we really were because the religion that we so wanted badly to be a part of couldn’t accept us. I know the case with Christianity to be very different now, but it was a very difficult time for both of us. His family had made him leave because he was gay, and his pastor thought that he could teach him how to pray the gay away, but it must not have worked, because he eventually was out on his own with nobody to help navigate his way. I ended up finding my own spiritual journey and I really hope that Justin did too. I miss him and think of him often, but I find comfort in knowing that he pulled me out of a situation that could’ve been very harmful to me and for that I am thankful. Thank you Justin, for seeing something in me I wasn’t even able to recognize yet, and I hope that you found the peace that you so rightfully deserved. I can’t wait to see you again someday. Thank you my angel.
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Gabriela Kandziora Real Estate Broker
FEATURE
BORDER RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB AND ITS SEASONAL RIDES
“Results that move you!”
By Dale Eckert, Border Riders Captain
Gabriela@RealtorGabriela.com • 503-481-9870
5000 Meadows Suite 150 Portland, OR 97035
28 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
The Border Riders Motorcycle club is the largest and one of the oldest gay motorcycle clubs in North America. Founded in 1969 it currently has over 70 members primarily from Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. The club provides social and educational opportunities for our members and guests interested in recreational motorcycle touring. Our diverse, international membership is composed of both seasoned riders and beginners, and we come from all walks of life and professions. We also accept all types of bikes. Our members ride a variety of makes and models ranging from sport to touring motorcycles, and we welcome any motorcycle capable of sustained highway speeds. This is about riding and group camaraderie rather than motorcycle brand. The commonality that binds us is the love of motorcycling and the enjoyment that comes from touring some of the best roads for motorcycling in Canada and the USA—all in a spirit of friendship and safety. In the off season, we do monthly meeting and look for social activities to keep people involved. These meeting are open to members and invited guests. During the summer months, we host weekend runs to great places throughout the Pacific Northwest. We invite guests to join us for the weekend runs and camping and always have a great time come rain or shine. In addition to the larger club activities the local Portland riders have a lot going on. The first Tuesday of each month we host short Meet and Greet meetings at 7 PM at the Portland Eagle on Lombard St, just a block off I-5. At the meeting we plan our breakfast and day ride for the following Sunday. These are generally a full-day ride after breakfast and we depart with a full tank of fuel, an empty bladder, and appropriate riding gear for the day’s weather conditions. Our typical seasonal camping schedule has a variety of interesting locations: May Our official season opener each year is our Victoria Day Run, so named because it coincides with the Canadian holiday. While we encourage this to be a motorcycle camping weekend - for this run we also allow
other vehicles. This means you can invite your non-riding partner or buddies to come camp. We will expect almost a hundred people at the Pine Flats Campground in central Washington State where we truck in a full camp kitchen to serve high-quality food. Friday night welcomes r iders with dinner and a bonfire and the joy of meeting new faces and reestablishing old friendships. We often have distant riders who join us for the weekend. Saturday will offer some spectacular motorcycle group rides; the chance to set out alone; or perhaps just hang around the camp. Following the traditional grill-your-own-steak dinner Saturday night the bonfire will be the center for club activities. About a third of the people remain until Monday to celebrate the Canadian Holiday. You can easily check the photos section of our web site for last year’s photos. June June takes us way north to Shuswap Lake for Scotch Creek BC. Some members will depart from that weekend camp to go west to the BC coast at Bella Coola and then return via Whistler, taking a week to return to Portland. July The warmer days of July take us to central Oregon near Fossil where we take over the entire Bear Hollow county park. August August offers a ferry ride to Vancouver Island and some great day rides and a wonderful campsite near Victoria. September 18/19, 2015: Our last major motorcycle camping in September puts us close to Enumclaw, WA for the weekend and the option of riding the Mt. Rainier loop. October Silver Falls State Park near Salem Oregon offers us a late season activity with a weekend at the Ranch – a large bunkhouse that can sleep the entire group inside, warmed by a central fireplace. Much like the first run of the season we will allow all vehicles at this event. If the weather is good we can explore the mountain roads toward Mt Hood or Detroit Lake. If not, we can do some easy hikes to see the spectacular waterfalls. Again we serve all meals from the commercial kitchen. We invite you to ride with us and to explore the club and the great Northwest area we are lucky enough to call home. For more information see our website at www. borderriders.com or send an email to captain@borderriders.com. Please stay tuned to future editions of Tankside and PQ Monthly for more on Border Riders. pqmonthly.com
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VOICES
YOUR BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME AWAITS YOU!
$334,900 Oregon MLS# 15305735 496 Arkansas, Vernonia, OR 97064 Gorgeous remodel! Spacious living located on the “Historic Walk of Vernonia” Only 30 minutes to Intel and 37 to Nike. Enjoy wholesome historic small-town living yet only 40 minutes to the heart of hip and swanky Portland. Large lot provides excellent garden space. 3-minute walk to park, fishing, shops, library, restaurants. 1-minute walk to the school and historic museum. Vernonia is a beloved stop for bicyclists who enjoy the fantastic treed bike trails and the festivals that happen on Bridge Street. “Stand By Me” and “Twilight” were filmed here. Deer/Elk visit this magnificent home. Full basement ADU or home office.
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Always the 3rd Monday of every month from 7-9pm THEME FOR OCTOBER IS: HALLOWEEN FREE FOR ALL! • 2600+ Sq Ft of very comfortable and spacious living • HUGE gourmet kitchen with Prep/Juice bar • Formal dining with original leaded glass built-in hutch • 5 Bedrooms—HUGE Master Suite • 3 Bathrooms—beautiful fixtures and finishes • Granite through out main and Master Suite with Diamond Cabinets • $2130 taxes • Built 1926 • RV or boat Parking • Finished Basement that can be rented out • Stainless /Gas appliances and heating • Original hardwoods; Large Porch; Deck • Wood-Burning Fireplace
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 • 29
VOICES
FEATURE
BI BRIGADE PRESENTS: BI BAR AT CRUSH By Cameron Kude, PQ Monthly
Dykes On Bikes®
Portland Chapter fundraiser
Taco and Trivia
1st Tuesdays EVERY MONTH! Join us at: Sandoval’s Tequila Grill 1864 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214 Come enjoy a taco or 2, or 3, with the DOB... drink some amazing Tequila. Sandoval’s is the best Tequila bar outside of Mexico. Boasting hundreds of brands and even their own Sandoval’s top-shelf brand. Come enjoy a great evening every 1st Tuesday! Motorcycle parking right out front!
DykesOnBikesPortland.com Please email Secretary@DykesOnBikesPortland.com to get on mailing list 30 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
RIDE LOUD & PROUD WITH US!
If you’ve ever been to Crush in Southeast Portland, you have experienced the closest thing in the world to a bi bar. If its slogan— everyone is a little bit queer—doesn’t convince you, then its logo will: Three sets of iconic restroom figures, coupled as a man/man, man/woman, and woman/woman. You really can’t conjure more bisexual imagery than that. “We’re entering a new era, and gay bars are dying,” says Woody Clarke, owner of Crush. “This is an everybody bar.” Woody, who identifies as a gay man, says he’s never quite been able to put exactly what Crush is into words. “I got a distinct bi vibe the first time I walked into this bar.” I tell him flatly. “The space is divided into two parts. The crowd is pretty evenly mixed. All of the bartenders are fun and flirty.” I look up at our bartender Donny, who slides me my drink with a wink. I pucker my lips and thank him accordingly, then I sip my cocktail and scan the room. “Look around!” I gesture widely. There are two enormous paintings on the wall. One is of a half-naked man; the other, a half-naked woman. These are just some of the reasons that my friends and I started the event Bi Bar at Crush. What the hell is Bi Bar? You may be wondering. Will there be an orgy on the stage? Do I have to be bi to go? Should I wear my purple harness? With all of the slutty stereotypes surrounding bisexuality, it’s understandable that visualizing a bisexual gathering might conjure some of these questions. Don’t get me wrong, sluts are my people, and puhleease wear that purple harness, but getting laid is not the ultimate goal here. And, yes, you can come if you’re not bi. But first you should Google the word monosexual. Bi Bar is a way for like-minded people to meet each other and find friendships, build bonds, and create a stronger sense of community. It’s a monthly mixer that is currently organized by members of Bi Brigade (www. bibrigade.org) at Crush Bar in Southeast Portland. This low-key Tuesday night get-together has been steadily growing by word of mouth for over two years. Bi Bar doesn’t require much planning. We just drape the bi pride flag in front of Crush’s entrance (Yep, there is a flag) and blast some glam rock. (Just kidding. Well, OK. Maybe sometimes.) Once in a while we’ll throw up a slideshow of famous bisexuals on the projector in the back room. Watching Crush’s regular patrons try to guess the theme can be hilarious. The images appear in no particular order so it may be confusing to see a picture of Frank Ocean or Annie Sprinkle sandwiched between Herman Melville and a young Eleanor Roosevelt. “Are they all Aquarians?” One girl asks me as I approach a group of befuddled barflies to
ask if they had managed to figure it out. Bi Bar is free, it’s fun, and it’s fucking necessary. “Being able to go to a place where people just know that I’m bi; not feeling hesitant about approaching people... it’s really important.” says Megan, who’s been coming to Bi Bar for over a year. “There’s a subculture here that people rarely get to explore, and there’s a lot of us. We need a place like this to meet.” Sometimes there’s live music or a DJ, though we haven’t been able to book Carrie Brownstein or Skrillex— both on the slideshow, however. Sometimes, especially during pride season, we have guest hosts, fun features, and unique performances such as a two person kissing booth or GoGo dancers of any gender. Crush Bar always has great drink specials, delicious food, an unpredictable crowd, and lots of laughs. The only thing you need to brace yourself for is too many Dr. Who references. “I love Bi Bar! I wish we could do a regular bi night on weekends, but Friday and Saturday nights are all booked up.” Says Woody as we sit down to discuss Bi Bar, which has become one of Crush’s most popular midweek mixers. Crush, which was recently voted Willamette Week’s #1 LGBTQ bar in Portland, is well known for its burlesque, stand-up comedy, and willingness to host any obscure get-together. Their calendar is bursting with bizarre events! There’s a monthly figure drawing night called AntiArt School. Crush Bar recently debuted a social for vegan singles. And how could anyone pass up Judge Judy Happy Hour? “Well, Friday and Saturday nights may be spoken for, but what if we do a bi brunch on the weekend?” I suggest, half-seriously. “Great idea!” he counters with enthusiasm. “Have you ever been here for our weekend brunch?” I tell him I have not. “It’s wonderful, and the wait is never too bad.” He shows me the brunch menu and I skim through it. I see a breakfast item called Double Down that has two of everything. The puns are already too much to stomach. “We could do some drink specials, or some penis-shaped-pancakes.” says Woody, “...and hey, with how stiff we pour our cocktails, I may just order the pussy plate. You know, for old time’s sake.” I roll my eyes and we raise our glasses, not quite sure if we’re joking or planning the next big thing. “That’s what they call a barsexual.” I tell him. Check out Bi Bar (facebook.com/ bibarpdx) every 2nd Tuesday of the month, starting at 8pm. Crush Bar (crushbar.weekbly.com) is located on the corner of SE 14 and Morrison. Visit Bi Brigade (www.bibrigade.org) to connect with Portland’s local bi community. Keep checking PQ Monthly for more from Bi Brigade! pqmonthly.com
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