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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 4, 2002)
October 4.2002 u nm rm inew s » S outhern O regon P ride K lamath Falls is not known for advocates being the most gay-friendly place don’t move to in Oregon. But 20-year-old Jared a progressive urban area. Hargrove is heading up a project “Klamath has that will take his hometown one step closer to being just that. turned out to be a lot more Along with Jeff London, 34, and Jeff Foster, open-minded 22, he is developing the Klamath Pride Orga than anyone nization to offer friendly social interaction, expects,” Fos outreach and support to the local gay commu Gay men in Klamath Falls ter says. “But nity. A wide variety of activities is already in organize to offer friendly social I have want the works for the group, including movie to move nights, potlucks, a Halloween party, a World interaction, outreach and support ed before, to a A ID S Day candlelight vigil and Christmas by Sarah Leim ert pJace where time sledding. “Klamath Falls needs an organi there would zation that can provide activities, support and he more to do. I haven’t left yet because of my unity [for] everyone, no matter what their sex family and because o f the very close rapport I ual orientation or age is,” Hargrove says. have with my extensive network of friends.” All of the founders agree that the gay popu Jeff London (left) and Jared Hargrove say Klamath Falls is more open-minded than most people realize London also is remaining in Klamath for his lation in Klamath Falls is likely much larger family, and Hargrove and his partner are staying that I wasn’t gay because I was overweight." than it seems. “I don’t think there’s ever going to London came out to his mother at the age of put for financial reasons. “We are dedicated to this Hargrove’s decision to create the organiza 20. “She was concerned that 1 may go to hell,” he an accurate estimate,” Foster says. “It’s hard group,” Hargrove says. “We hope to get it going tion was bom from a complete lack of formal to get us all together. Nobody really wants to he says. and stay put in Klamath for at least another year.” support for queer youth in K-Falls. “Before I But after attending a church meeting where take a risk in a community of cowboys, farmers The group plans to advertise itself via classi came out, I really needed someone to talk to,” she was asked to put herself in her son’s shoes, and gangster wannabes." fied ads, fliers, brochures and posters. Oregon he says. “I tried calling another group in town she changed her mind. “Amazingly, it worked! But the men also agree that Klamath’s reputa Institute of Technology has offered space for about twice a month and could never get a She realized how difficult growing up gay must tion for being homophobic isn’t entirely accurate, meetings and welcomes a gay and lesbian group either. “1 haven’t found that to be the case at all,” have been, and to this day we are best friends,” response. When I finally attended one of their to form on campus. Hargrove’s goal is to reach functions, I realized that this town needed some London says. “I find it interesting that going to Foster says, “and I’ve lived here my whole life.” out to queers in Klamath Falls, “and we hope by thing better, something that would reach out to church is actually what changed her attitude.” Each Klamath Pride organizer has a com having these activities it will bring the gay com youth and adults” who were coming out. Foster has had the strange experience of feel pelling story to tell. Hargrove says he didn’t munity closer together.” JH Eventually, Foster would like to see Klamath ing more shunned by his queer peers than by his experience any homophobia after coming out— Pride offer youth counseling and age-related sup straight friends and family. “Most gay men in except from his own family. His father kicked The K la m a t h P rid e O r g a n iz a t io n will hold a port groups along with strictly social activities. this town consider it an exclusive thing, like him out of his 87-year-old great-grandmother’s “There have been similar groups in the past, but M eet and G reet from 3 to 5 p.m . O ct. 5 in the belonging to a country club or something like house after he had taken care of her for a year. Sunset Lounge at Oregon Institute o f Technology, because of infighting one group is gone, and the that, especially if you don’t conform to their His mother told him he was going to hell. 3201 Campus Drive. For more information last remaining group is dying a slow and terrible physical standards,” he says. “When I first start “None of my family talks to me now,” Har ed trying to participate in the gay community, I death,” he says. “It’s time to offer something else.” e-m ail Klamathprideorg@msn.com or visit grove says. “And this all happened about a year groups. m sn. com/KlamathPrideOrganization. One might wonder why the three brave was told by members of the youth group I joined and a half ago.” A member of the community that you can trust LGBT Pride is a celebration of community, and community is all about trust. Call a community-owned investment team for vice that you can rely on. Buying or selling your home is an im p o rta n t choice. Let Celia 6- Terri guide you through the p r o c e s s ! 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