October fi. 20QQ < U ¡illividì mews ssentially, it was the green team vs. the purple team. The greens sat on the right side of the room, and the purples were on the left. Television cameras surround­ ed the playing field. A 25-foot gap divided the two sides. The space was where the battle— or the peacemak­ ing— could have gone on. But the teams mostly stayed in their chairs. A few got up from their seats and paced around the room. And a few left the game altogether. “This is out of hand,” one of the greens said as he stomped out of the building and into the parking lot. But this was no game— not even a competi­ tion. The sponsor, the Global Process Institute, hilled the event as “process work.” The issue was the Oregon Citizens Alliances Measure 9. Its supporters wore big green buttons; the opposition was adorned with purple ones. More than 200 people attended the forum Oct. 2 at the Portland Conference Center. The intent was to bring people with opposing views together to listen to one another, build commu­ nity and possibly even foster understanding. In videotapes of other forums on sexism and homophobia reviewed by Just Out, participants got down on the floor and did their sharing. Individuals might have disagreed with one another, hut they got up close and personal. Members of opposing viewpoints sometimes even hugged each other. A few cried together. But this is Oregon. The long history of dis­ dain between the sides of this ongoing issue pre­ dictably would preclude serious listening— much less hugging and crying. Measure 9 is the O CA ’s fourth serious attempt to codify sexual orientation in recent years. Some say these efforts have banded the gay community P rocess of E limination Measure 9 forum brings people together but drives some away by Jo n a th a n Kipp together; others say they have sucked the energy and spirit from thousands of people. I j oth sides were generally toned down at first. In fact, almost half of the two- hour process was relatively benign. Barry Williams, O CA Lane County director, opened the dialogue. He wits polite and avoided discussing religion. “I’m here because I think this kind of discussion is worth­ while,” Williams said. “It is bet­ ter than name calling.” Jaime Balboa, Basic Rights The heated exchange becomes too much for one anguished Oregon executive director, participant to take didn’t mince words or even attempt to warm up to his opponents. Schools sexual orientation policy. “Measure 9 is dangerous for schools and danger­ He thinks the district is keeping scientific ous for kids,” he said. evidence from students that homosexuality can Balboa said it would put HIV and AIDS edu­ be changed. “You’re not bom homosexual!” said cation at risk, a consequence O C A supporters Salano, who at one point got so upset he left the now deny. “If you don’t believe me, look at their forum before being coaxed back by one of the Web page,” he said. institute’s volunteers. Dick Weller agreed. Holding a homemade he heat got turned up when Cleveland “Yes on 9” sign on his lap, he delivered an High teacher Jose Salano addressed the impassioned oratory about the gay lifestyle he crowd. He has been outspoken in the media left behind. about his disdain for the Portland Public Weller distributed copies of his story to the crowd, offering advice on how others can escape homosexuality. “We don’t call it a sexual orien­ tation; we call it a sex choice,” he said. Mitch, a parent of four with his female part­ ner, stood up and told his story. “I’m a human being. I’m bisexual. So what?" he said. The greens talked of pedophilia, AIDS, God, the Bible— and protecting kids. The purple folks talked of pain, freedom, fairness— and protect­ ing kids. John Cox said his gay father has AIDS. He scoffs at the idea that homosexuality means you’re at the highest risk. “Orientation has nothing to do with it,” exclaimed Cox, an AID S educator. All kids are at risk now, he told the crowd. “It’s all about homosexual sodomy,” said one man, whose arguments were based on the Bible. “Show me where Jesus Christ said that,” a woman rebutted. he “processing” ultimately seemed to be business as usual. But at least one voice was heard more than the others. Dana, a 12-year-old girl, stole the show when she stood in the front row and told of her expe­ rience in school. She had everyone’s attention. “Not once in the past, at school, never have I heard one of my teachers promoting homosex­ uality,” Dana said. “There is no promotion of homosexuality.” If listening— just once— was the goal, the forum was a huge success. i n Bigot Busters and the Youth Collaboration Project are sponsoring a N o ON 9 YOUTH R ally l p.m . O ct. 7 in Salem . Participants will gather at the Peace Plaza near City Hall and march to the Capitol. C all 503-399-8235 or 503-585-2767 or e-m ail zchani@hocmail.com fo r details. 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