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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (June 1, 1992)
4 ▼ jun * 1002 ▼ just out letters E m ily S im o n Attorney At Law Trust your instincts! 620 SW Fifth Ave. Ste. 1204 Portland, Oregon 97204 (503) 241-1553 (503) 241-2587 FAX Emphasizing representation of the accused in all misdemeanor, felony, traffic and DUII actions in state, federal, juvenile courts and administrative actions M ARTY KATKANSKY, g ri pc Service since 1976 Westside Specialist • Residential • Investments Personalized marketing plans Complimentary consultations for both buyers and sellers Res. 641-8190 regon Portland West Office 8552 SW Apple Way Portland, OR 97225 297-2523 □ RE ALTO R* realty co Donating 10% of fees to anti-OCA pro-gay causes when you mention this ad. Hey, have you heard? 20% o ff all hair care products at Gary Luckey. To the Editor: I am writing to share with your readers some thing that happened to me as a result of respond ing to the following house-share ad in the April 16-22 Willamette Week: “ Seeking Roommate, GM, SE duplex, Hawthorne area. No smoke/drugs, responsible, $275/month. 235-2146." I went to the man’s place, Friday, April 24, to look at the room for rent. Instead, on my way out, the man grabbed me around the neck and forced a kiss on my mouth. I pushed him away. He then grabbed me again, “hugged” me and said he was sorry, at which point I pushed him away again and ran for the door, which he had locked. Fortunately for me, he unlocked the door and I ran out. I believe this man is potentially dangerous. I hope that this will not happen to other unsuspect ing gay men looking for a place to live. The man’s name is Jonathan. He is roughly 35-40 years old, 5 ’l l ”-6’ tall, 170-180 lbs., with thinning light brown hair, blue eyes, scruffy mustache and beard. During the course of our conversation, in which I unfortunately told him quite a bit about myself, he mentioned he was unemployed, had worked with computers, and had been raised in Newport, Ore. I had had an uncomfortable feeling when I talked with Jonathan on the phone a few days before our “visit.” However, since I could not place, at the time, what it was that made me uncomfortable, and since I have been looking for a new place to live for almost two months, I thought, “Well, you really should check out all the options.” I would like to address the entire gay and lesbian community, and particularly those who are home-searching, when I say that I no w realize the best thing I could have done for myself was to allow myself to be aware of, and honor, what I was initially feeling-before getting into a very dangerous situation. I urge all of you to please be careful answering ads such as these. Probably, many are legit; obviously, some are not. I learned the hard way, from experience-a very frightening one I hope no one has to go through. David Rutiezer Portland Just goodbye To the Editor: Oh, Linda, say it isn’t so. I just read the May issue. I think I really will suicide myself now. No more “Just Dish??” How can this be? LINDA, HEAR ME SPEAK: fuck ’em if they can’t take a joke. Make trouble, Girlfriend. Readers who complain about your column are similar to lesbians who attend erotica shows that offend them terribly but stay to see every last performance. Don’t care for Linda’s extremely sarcastic, irreverent wit? Then by golly don’t read her wonderful column. Linda Shirley is one of the most dynamic, intelligent, political lesbians I know. She has done and continues to do more for this community than any one person I can think of at the moment. I think it sucks when this community that yearns so much for acceptance dumps on one of our own for writing the kind of thought-provoking jour nalism that can “stir up things” and “inspire you to action.” I love you Linda. I want the column to go on. f m if- But nobody can say it like you did. If you gotta move on I certainly can’t blame ya. I know I’m not the only reader who will feel the loss. Susan Gregg Portland Editor’s note: It was LindaShir ley's choice to discontinue the column. Amnesty responds To the Editor In the “World news” section of the May issue of Just Out, the lead article described how Am nesty International canceled an invitation to Dr. Monika Reinfelder to speak, on the grounds that lesbian sexuality was too controversial a subject. This article also noted that guidelines for Amnesty’s new work on behalf of gays and lesbi ans persecuted for their sexual orientation have not been drawn up. Although formal guidelines for Amnesty’s work on behalf of lesbians and gays have not yet been drawn up, Amnesty has already begun re search and work on lesbian and gay cases. At the April meeting of the Portland chapter of Amnesty International, we discussed the case of Vladimir Mironov, who was charged under Article 121 part 1 of the Russian Federation Criminal Code, which forbids consenting sexual acts between adult males. Local Amnesty members sent letters to three different officials in Russia calling for fur ther information about Mr. Mironov and urging that legislative amendments be passed to ensure that persons are not liable to imprisonment for consensual homosexual activity between adults in private. Vladimir Mironov was recently re leased from prison. Amnesty International is not a homogenous organization, and decisions are sometimes made at the international level which do not reflect the views of the United States section. We regret that Dr. Reinfelder’s invitation to speak was canceled. Amnesty International Members for Lesbian and Gay Concerns (AIMLGC, PO Box 8293, Santa Cruz, CA 95061) is actively working to ensure that human rights o f lesbian and gay people all over the world will be respected. Tena K. Hoke Coordinator, Portland Chapter Amnesty International USA Holy dish To the Editor: First off, hurrah that Just Out carries a religion column even if it is a compilation of news from other sources. Why not ask Reverend Nelson to compose each month a thoughtful column dealing with gay male and lesbian issues? With so many social and political problems and challenges surrounding us today, perhaps a thoughtful column dealing with these issues from a moral, ethical and theological position would be helpful. Sometimes the column as is gives the wider audience a glimpse at church doings, but often those interested have read the material in other publications. Art Buck, Pastor Milwaukie Gary Luckey, Portland’s first non-tipping salon. If you bring in this ad you'll receive an extra 10% off! Offer expires July 1, 1992. 2 8 1 -7 8 3 1 4016 N.E. Fremont G/V7Y LJUCXEY REPORT HOMOPHOBIC VIOLENCE
