JR.COLL.
HQ
75
. J96
v. 16
inside
Comic Bill Bradley's ongoing
one-man show raises social
awareness with a smile
no. 6
January
22, 199S
page 29
V o l u m e 16 ♦ N u m b e r 6 ♦ J a n u a r y 2 2 , 19 9 9
Portland, O r e g o n
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a queer vision
20
Rising from the Ashes?
Phoenix Rising Foundation is on the brink of extinction
by
Phoenix Rising Foundation Executive
D irector Allanya Guenther
I nga S orensen
he dank and darkness are bear-
ing down hard this late Friday
afternoon, as the rain visits the
earth in commanding bursts. A
ceaseless layer of clouds is slung over
the city, creating a thick and threat
ening milieu.
It’s the type of day where one
wants to head home, light a fire, don
soft sweats and abandon tensions and
troubles— at least for the weekend.
A t this moment, the latter hanker
ing may feel unattainable to Allanya
Guenther, who admits that sleep of
late has been fitful at best— at worst,
elusive.
And it’s no wonder. After all,
Guenther, who turns 54 on Jan. 24, is
teetering on the edge of myriad
unknowns. Her professional future is
in question, as is that of the organiza
tion she currently heads, the Phoenix
Rising Foundation, which has pro
vided counseling and other services
to the sexual minorities community
for two decades.
A t the agency’s office in down
town Portland, recognition plaques
hang on the wall. One, from the
Portland chapter of the National
Leather Association, thanks Phoenix
Rising “for its service and dedication
to the Portland community.”
Cushy couches and inviting chairs
inhabit various rooms, many of
which offer fabulous panoramic views
of the city. Photos o f James Dean and
Judy Garland welcome visitors.
Copies of O U T and The Advocate are
layered neatly on lobby end tables.
Given some stunning revelations,
the orderliness betrays.
Continued on page 6