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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 1988)
"Obviously overcrowding was a big factor." The prison, designed to accommodate 476 inmates, housed 1.065 inmates on the date of the uprising. In fact, the 36 inmates involved in the disturbance were housed in dayrooms which were converted to alleviate overcrowding. But Michael Franke denied that overcrowding played any factor in the uprising. "It would be the wildest conjecture to say it (overcrowding) had any role." n Hulloween night, homosexual inmates It would be a mistake to assume all the rioting inmates were homosexual. Eldridge said. He seized control of two housing units at the to a letter prison officials received during Oregon State Correctional Institution (OCI), points in what Corrections Department Director Michael the disturbance which stated that not all inmates Franke dismissed as a "spontaneous incident, supported the actions of the rioters. However, perhaps triggered by the date ” Eldridge does admit that OCI often segregates The inmates, allegedly frustrated by homo prisoners. sexual discrimination, demanded: “ I ) — Equal "The state has a responsibility to protect rights for us (homosexuals] in housing as in the inmates who are vulnerable from predatory rest of the institution; 2) — Our choice of living inmates. This fact of life does impact our conditions; 3 )— Nobody will be punished in response to the treatment of some inmates. But Units I and 2 for actions we have taken; 4) — recently, we have had no obvious increase in the number of complaints from any inmate group," All promises must come from Mike Franke and Governor Neil Goldschmidt; 5) — Medical Eldridge said. attention for those needing it, Carlos needs * * Hogwash! ’ ’ cries Just Out reporter Harold medical attention. He asked and was refused; Moore. Moore is active in the Oregon prison 6) — More paying jobs for homosexuals in movement. * ‘What we have here is the same old institution; 7 )— All harrassment (sic) of argument used by prison officials to justify homosexuals ceased |sie (" special treatment of gay inmates. What the OCI According to Robbi Eldridge. Oregon State response on Halloween night said was ‘We’ll Corrections Department spokesman, the treat you any way we want. And you won’t demands are not being considered by prison complain because, after all. we’re here to officials. protect you.’ In that response lies the long temí, institutionalized homophobia." That homo "This is a paper submitted to us," Eldridge said. "We in this system do not give these phobia defines the correctional response to homosexuality and. indeed, the very essence of demands any kind of attention. We have an established grievance procedure — this is the complaints registered by the inmates of not it.” Units I and 2." Moore said. According to prison officials, no homo The rioting inmates cannot speak to the sexuals had filed any complaints before the media until prison disciplinary action is disturbance. "Honestly, we really don't know completed. why the incident started." Eldridge said. — K.C. de Gutes Prison riot raises questions of homophobia, discrimination O Ann Hindi ju st news Gay Hotline in dire straits, may close soon or more than 15 years, the Counseling Center for Sexual Minorities (CCSM) — "The Gay Hotline" — has provided informa tion. referrals and counseling service to the gay and lesbian (and bisexual and transvestite and . . . ) community of Portland and the On October 11,1988 the financial reserves of surrounding areas. CCSM gave out and the hotline was With as many as 10 calls per evening, volun "temporarily " shut off by the telephone teer operators answer calls that range from a simple. " I ’m new in town, where's the bars" to company. Overdue bills have, at this point, a much more complex, "My lover just beat me overcome the members' and benefactors’ up again . . . I can't handle this any more . . . ability to meet the need. what am I gonna do?” The direct value of CCSM may seem fairly The volunteers who answer these and the small to some. For example, many gay and many other caller questions are trained lesbian businesses, especially the local bars, listeners. Before becoming hotline counselors, may not see themselves as being much impacted each person must complete training designed to by CCSM (or its demise). Even though many provide them with basic skills for listening and CCSM calls are for “ where are the bars,” the responding to the wide range of caller concerns, fact is that most patrons will find the bars as well as becoming familiar with the hotline’s without CCSM. resource directory. But the callers in need of other forms of help All CCSM members, counselors, and board and those in crisis won’t necessariy find their members alike, are volunteers who give time answers at the bars. Nor will they always find and money out of a belief that they provide a an understanding and open listener through service and that they can help their community other counseling/hotline resources — which to be a better and healthier place. have usually referred such callers to CCSM for Now, after more than 15 years CCSM may help — until now. have met its maker. Financial and volunteer There will be a meeting at 7:30 pm on support for the hotline has come from many December 14, 1988. This meeting is open to all different sources over the years, but now has community members, businesses, and organi dropped to a core group of dedicated volunteers zations interested in helping CCSM reopen its and benefactors who have kept the line running service to the community. Please call Kathy at through their own efforts and mostly with their 232-3276 for meeting location. own funds. — Brian Gorrin F Working Toward a Just Society EMILY SIMON SIMON, KRAMER & FITHIAN-DARRETT Attorneys • • • • • • • • HOME HEALTH CARE Felony ond Misdemeanor Defense AIDS Issues Consumer Problems Workplace Concerns Disobiliry/Sociol Security Adoption ond Fam ily Low Sliding scale Evening oppoinrmenrs 50óSW 6rh, Suite 510 Portland. OR 97204 ( 5 0 3 ) 243-2733 We in the Pacific Northwest take pride in announcing the opening of a new residential care facility for services to AIDS and HIV positive symptom persons. We are all too aware of the needs of this city’s special population and the hysteria surrounding it. Therefore, very special considerations were taken in site, physical layout and staff selection. Enchanted Blue Wave Ltd . 1104 NE 28th Avenue Portland. OR 97232 (503) 284 9625 Come by and see for y o u rself our w ide selection o f Handmade Drums. Call for d irection s. m m dui • 6 • December ivnx We are located in the scenic area of rural Hillsboro, Oregon, on the hank of the Tualatin River, surrounded hy 9 acres of peaceful tranquility, yet we are near local medical facilities and the Portland Metro area. For further information please contact us at (5 0 3 ) 6 4 8 -3 3 8 3 CIRCLE HOUSE THANK YOU ‘ A Magical Oceanfront Retreat'’ A Bed and Breakfast For Women Ocean View Rooms ■ Outdoor Spa Fitness and Game Rooms Winter Weekday Special - Three nights for two, holidays excluded P.O. Box 147 (206) 642'4900 Seaview, WA 98644