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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 18, 2000)
Püout august 18. 2000 » Just M i t 5 sections by awarding Barnes &. Noble its Annu al Fairness Award in 1998. This honor recog nizes institutions and individuals that have made long-term commitments “in the vital area of equal rights.” GLAAD said: “Since the inception of the Barnes & Noble superstore, their gay and les bian studies section has been providing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in even the most rural areas of our country access to very important literature and information about our community. In a Rolling Stone feature entitled T o Be Young and Gay,’ one gay teen in Sandy, Utah, cites the gay and lesbian studies section at his local Barnes & Noble as one of the most important places for him to go get information about himself and his community. “Barnes & Noble is an important resource and, in some cases, a lifeline for gay teens in sub urbs as well as lesbian and gay people all over the country. When faced with adversity in regards to the titles they carry, Barnes & Noble has consistently supported our community by not only keeping the titles on the shelves but, in some cases, carrying the titles in more stores. "This inclusiveness does not end with the merchandise that they carry. Barnes & Noble was also one of the first companies to offer domestic partner benefits to their lesbian and gay employees.” Lastly, on a personal note, as an employee and a member of the gay and lesbian communi ty, I have to say Barnes &. Noble is the first of the eight different companies I have worked for where I have been able to be totally and com pletely “out” and accepted as a normal member of society. I value this level of comfort and acceptance within my workplace greatly. I am writing in opposition to Measure 9, the Oregon Citizens Alliance’s Student Protection Act. If passed in November, it will create a non- inclusive, unsafe environment for students and teachers alike. As a 24-year-old gay man and a former education major with several years of experience, this is an issue very dear to my heart. If Measure 9 passes, any time students ques tioning their sexual orientation go to teachers for support, they theoretically will be forced to say, “Sorry kids, can’t help you.” Immediately, this will create a noninclusive environment for those looking for someone to trust. In addition, teachers no longer will have the power to combat the hatred and ignorance embodied in the homophobic slander that is pervasive in our schools today. Finally, it only takes one student questioning his or her sexual orientation, seeking trust and support, to under stand why the OCA’s measure not only is flawed, it is wrong. Believe me, I know. I was once that ques tioning student. P ag e J o r d a n R . J a so n H o lla n d Barnes & Noble Jantzen Beach Community Relations Manager Eugene Holly for details as to whether Michigan has be come trans-friendly through the years. Had I been inclined to attend Michigan, my first ques tion would be whether my trans companions are or ever can be truly welcome at an event whose organizers in the past explicitly have excluded them. ombard W 503/286-1330 E R S Located in Historic St. Johns 8 3 0 2 N. LOMBARD • PORTLAND, OREGON 9 7 2 0 3 2 g u n a i x UhUgKTrt M area S tone Ashland Just say no To the E ditor : Is ffest trans-friendly? on Limited Edition ^ “the only shop that comes to you” 4 2 3 5 S E W oodslock B lvd • Portland. O R 4 7 2 0 6 503 774-3531 - Latest In Gay Travel, Fiction G More Nappy Texas, Boys Don't Cry 6 More Gai-Pied 2544 NE Broadway Ph 331.1125 Rental G Sales on tfte latest titles! * Great Discounts On Our Website: www.gaipied.com i A smart financial plan Welcomes letters to tee editor To the E ditor : Holly Pruetts vividly phrased plug for the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival made me long to be there [“Michigan on My Mind,” July 7]. But I kept waiting for her to reference the long-standing dispute over exactly what kind of womyn really are invited to this gala. Of course, I could obtain this info easily else where, so it’s a good thing I wasn’t depending on Proudly Serving The Greater Portland Metro Area begins with just 7 numbers: Letters must be accompanied by a phone number 2 3 8 -6 0 3 6 for verification purposes. Anonymous letters and letters without sufficient contact information will not be published. Eric Brown District Manager 500 NE Multnomah Portland, OR 97232 503/238-6036 Keeping with the spirit of popular trash C J ^ U A U L U ^ S J XV, Just Out asked readers: “Who would you pick to be stranded with on a desert island?” rim C R f]* WADDELL S cR E E D The people with a plan for you. C at G ranado Gresham Automotive mechanic P atrick A nderso n Portland “Som ebody who is fun-loving, sensual, warm and exciting.” “Keanu Reeves, because I met him once in person before he was famous, and I fell in love with him.” Entertainer R o b M ills Woodland, Wash. Nursery owner R a c h el M eyer Portland Lover of free time “My boyfriend, because he’s one of the most spectacular guys that I’ve ever m et.” “How about Shirley MacLaine? She had all those other lives, so if she got boring, I could ask her to regress to someone else.” CH MORTGAGE • Fast 15 to 20 day • Instant approval at closings your home or office • Good or bad credit • 0% down programs • Apply online at www.CH-Mortgage.com EQUAL HOUSING LENDER Phone: (503) 294-0044 Fax: (503) 294-7115 Cell: (503) 577-1981 5125 S.W. MACADAM • SUITE 145 PORTLAND, OR 97219 Email: CgraunitzöCH-Mortgage.com Loan Officer
