R Ballot Measure 8 presents "opportunity" for community To the Editor: I am glad that Ballot Measure 8 passed. Its passage has provoked anger, stirred-up otherwise dormant activism, made us confront bigotry, opened closet doors, and brought us closer together. I am glad it passed. Earlier, I was equally as devastated as many of you when the outcome of the Ballot measure was announced. I felt ashamed that such a measure could possibly pass in Oregon. How could there exist such bigotry, especially in people who preach “ love” ? 1 wanted to move away, but on second thoughts, 1 realized that my negative feelings and reactions only reinforced their victory. We should turn this perceived “ crisis” into an opportunity . . . an opportunity to bring national attention on bigotry; an opportunity to educate the people about homosexuality; an opportunty to gain visibility; an opportunity to unify our efforts and aspirations. This is our platform towards more concrete, long-term achievements. I have a few ideas of what we can do locally. 1) create an umbrella gay and lesbian organization that will coordinate various activities of the local gay and lesbian groups as well as network with other regional and national gay and lesbian organizations. 2) have frequent or routine public display of affection, much like the recent shop and shock affair at the Lloyd Center, at major shopping malls or busy public areas. 3) organize the largest gay rally ever in Portland next year, or if that’s not possible, in 1990. I am not thinking of 5,000 gays and lesbians marching through downtown, but 50,000-1- gays and lesbians in the rally and later caravanning to other parts of the State. Since the passage of Ballot Measure 8 has national implications, I think it is likely that we could readily solicit the help of key influential gay and lesbian leaders in other areas (like in San Francisco, L.A ., Seattle or even New York) to mobilize their people to come to Portland to demonstrate our pride, our strength and our goal to eradicate bigotry. It will be our Portland “ open-house” week to all gays and lesbians from around the country. In conjunction with the rally, it would be good if we can also have a national conference on gay and lesbian issues in Portland. 4) encourage our friends, and friends of friends, to relocate to Portland. We need gay businesses and we need gays and lesbians of all levels of professions to relocate here. OCA did not want Portland to be another San Francisco. Why not? S.F. is a beautiful city with beautiful people. Portland is a beautiful city too, and we need more beautiful people. Let’s develop a 10-year plan to change Portland into another San Francisco! 5) be ourselves. I am new to the gay culture. The many gay men and lesbians I came to know are such sensitive, caring and gentle people. Let the people around u s. know us Lastly, I would like to thank the OCA for providing us with this opportunity to educate the nation. No OFF successor group To the Editor: This is in response to one paragraph of the letter from the OFF Steering Committee in the December issue of Just Out. That letter makes reference to the fact that some donors and volunteers of the No on 8 campaign have received “ unauthorized” tele phone calls from a new group, and apologizes for any “ inconvenience” thereby resulting. In my capacity as office manager of the No on 8 campaign, I created a database printout of telephone numbers for, among other purposes, volunteer recruitment. After the campaign S defeat. I felt it reasonable and appropriate to use the same list to help alert lesbians, gay men. and heterosexual civil libertarians to grass-roots community organizing designed to chart our strategies in responding to the loss. The Noon 8 campaign director was informed of, and con curred with, my decision to notify campaign volunteers and donors of upcoming community meetings. There was no claim made as to any “ successor group” to OFF. Far from being “ inconvenient,” I believe it is urgent that we face the reality of Measure 8 ’s passage, and swiftly build broad-based community coalitions so that we may respond effectively. Carl Goodman Portland È Coyote Portland HAL JONES AUTOMOTIVE JOY ENTERPRISES Bill Joy We wish every Just Out reader peace, health and hope in the New Year. And to our Just Out clients, thank you for your support. 5111 NE Fremont Portland, OR 97213 288-1130 B THE S UNDAY O R E G O N IA N N O V E M B E R 20 19M Congratulations, once again, to Deborah and Sue for attaining membership in Portland's Million Dollar Realty Club B ridgetown R ealty NEW S 4 : 3 0 PM PUBLIC AFFAIRS M - F 9 = 3 0 AM MUSIC N I G H T & DAY 1431 NE Weidler Portland, OR 9 7 2 3 2 287-9370 ju st out • 3 • January 19X9