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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 21, 2000)
mTTTFîTOnneius Drive with Ppide I nexhaustible A spen jù A committed community activist takes on new role... but only for a little while by T.K. Mantese Schedule your appointment today with: L esbian. Feminist. Musician. Activist. Auto mechanic. These are just a few words to describe Kristan Aspen. the discussion, though I understand not every body is ready to do that,” she adds. “We really didn’t consider anyone else,” LCP board member Sally Cohn says. The board felt pressed for time, and Aspen’s Bundled up in long sleeves and an capabilities and commitment are proven. She insulated vest, Aspen reclines on a was LCP’s temporary administrator in the early donated couch in the Lesbian Community Pro 1990s and has been involved in the lesbian ject’s spacious, chilly office to talk about her community for 30 years. most recent incarnation: LCP interim staff orga Plunging into work, Aspen and the board nizer. have identified three major ideas to create dia Aspen, 51, graduated from Oberlin College logue among the various voices of the LCP com in 1970. Fluent in Spanish, she spent her junior munity. year in Colombia and, after graduation, six First, beginning Jan. 30, LCP will hold an weeks doing manual farm labor in Cuba. While open house at its East Burnside Street office traveling with a Venceremos Brigade solidarity every other Sunday. delegation to Cuba, Aspen met lesbians for the "W e want to invite people to come by— first time. individuals, groups— everyone is welcome,” During her time in Cuba, Aspen hung out Aspen says. with one lesbian in particular who was The informal after unabashedly candid noon gathering is from about her sexuality. 4 to 6 p.m. As if a light bulb had Also in the works is been turned on, Aspen the reinstitution of the says, her sexual nature lesbian forum, hut with suddenly became clear a new name. to her. Explaining the In 1971 Aspen forum’s fresh title, moved to Portland. Aspen says the organi She has been active in zation is “working hard the women’s commu not to accentuate the nity ever since. In the differences” among all early 1970s, she taught who are identified with women auto mechanic LCP. skills at the First U ni Each forum will tarian Church in focus on a different downtown Portland. topic; the first, on dis They worked on their abilities and accessibil cars in the church ity, is scheduled for parking lot. Feb. 18. “It was very daring T he third item i hen,” she laughs. "Part o f my role here will be to try to LCP will tackle is the Aspen was part of development o f a keep the lines o f communication open or the collective house venue for dialogue in hold that founded the re-establish them if they've,been closed." the same vein as Pride Portland Feminist Northwest’s Conversa Women’s Health C lin tions Project. Aspen wants to establish a safe, ic and Bradley-Angle comfortable place for folks to explore feelings House (then known as Prescott House), which and share experiences with one other. assists women escaping violence. “I would like to see a conversation between She most recently served for five years on the those who identify as feminists and those who board of Pride Northwest, the force behind don’t, and see how far apart we are,” she Portland’s pride parade and festival. explains. According to Norm Costa, Pride North The part-time staff organizer position suits west’s vice chair, Aspen donated countless hours Aspen just fine. Her lifestyle demands multiple and her own money to the group and its cause. small jobs that are compatible with her work as “Kristan is still a valued advisor to Pride,” he a musician. She and her partner of 20 years, says. Janna MacAuslan. form the flute-guitar duo Though Aspen is no longer involved with Musica Femina, which toured nationally from the nitty-gritty details of the parade and festival, 1984 to 1996 and has released two CDs. she will continue to devote time to Pride North T he interim position expires in three west’s 3-year-old Conversations Project, which months. The board plans to hire a permanent is designed to generate dialogue among various staff organizer by April. constituencies within the broader sexual minorities community. ■ L esbian C om m unity P ro ject welcomes all to Though Aspen has loftier goals, much of her call and share their ideas, or to drop in. The office is time at LCP will he occupied with the ordinary: located at 1001 E. Burnside St. m Portland; managing the office, supporting the board and approximate hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and committees, maintaining an activities calendar, Thursday from 9 a.m . to 2 p .m ., and Monday and and organizing and supporting volunteer recruit Friday from noon to 5 p.m . Space is available to ment and development. small groups during and after office hours. For more Following two years of turmoil and dissen information, call (503) 233-39/3, or visit the sion within LCP, Aspen sees the transition con Internet site at w ww.europa.com /~lcppdx. tinuing with opportunities for more change. “Part of my role here will he to try to keep T.K. MANTESE is a Portland-based free-lance the lines of communication open or re-establish writer and proofreader. them if they’ve been closed," Aspen says. “I am interested in hearing from all sides of A C h r i s t i n a S ig w a r t 503 256-3700 - R E Y R E E C E D E A L E R S H IP S 0LDS-ISUZU-V0LKSWAGEN-USED clsigwart@hotmail.com 122nd & East Burnside www.vwcitv.com Music M illen n iu m R e c o r d s , T a p e s a n d N W Portland 23rd & N W J o h n s o n (5 0 3 ) 248-0163 C D ’ s S in c e 1969 East. Portland 32nd & E B u rn s id (503)231-89 26 Rock« Folk« Jazz« Country« Soundtracks« Soul« Gospel« New Age« World« Bluegrass« Blues« Easy Listening« Oldies« Local« Cajun/Zydeco« Lounge« Rap« Broadway Cast« Classical and Much More! Man’s ' Best Friend A B O U T IQ U E FO R DOGS & T H O S E WHO LO V E T H E M . Now offering Petsitting & Dog Walking. 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