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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (June 6, 2003)
(ime ß. 2003 » nTTTTTFTn^netüsbne/s Continued from Page 9 viewer to enter the strange world of “ex-gay” ministries and “conversion therapies.” The film focuses on two former leaders of Exodus Inter national, one of the first and biggest ex-gay min istries, who fall in love, leave Exodus and pub licly denounce the “conversion” movement. A post-movie discussion will explore how to fight the right wing’s anti-gay bigotry. The video will he shown at the Bread & Roses Center, 819 N. Killingsworth St. A sum mer buffet, with a vegetarian Option, will he served at 6:30 p.m. for a $6 donation. For more information, rides or child care, call 503-240-4462, e-mail nupdx@igc.org or visit www. radicalwomen. com. C onference F ocuses on F aith and F amily I ove Welcomes All— a pro-gay, faith-based program organized in response to an "ex gay” conference that’s coming to town— will he held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 21 at Zion Unit ed Church of Christ, 2025 N.E. 23rd Ave. in Gresham. Free and open to the public, Love Welcomes All is a community-wide, faith-based profes sional conference geared for individuals who are just coming out as well as parents, friends, teachers, counselors and clergy who love them. Experts in psychology and theology will offer workshops to reduce fear, misunderstanding and violence toward queers. Attendees also will meet sexual minority people from a variety of faith communities. Y O U Portland native Brett Webb-Mitchell, an associate professor of Christian nurture at Duke University Divinity School and a published scholar, will offer the keynote address and clos ing remarks. Six workshops will address: • My faith journey: Christians reconciling faith life and sexual life. • Exodus from Exodus: People formerly involved in the ex-gay movement speak out about their experiences. • Why “reparative therapy” destroys more than it repairs: Mental health professionals bring their perspectives to G LB T issues. • Young, queer and Christian: Making a place for all of us. • Family values means we value our families: Parents of gay, lesbian and questioning adult children share their stories. • Opening the doors to all G od’s children: Churches reflect on their decisions to become welcoming congregations. On the eve of the conference, popular les bian Christian music artist Marsha Stevens will perform. The free concert begins 7 p.m. June 20 at the church. Love Welcomes All is a grassroots initiative similar to events in other cities around the country that responded to Love Won Out, an anti-gay conference presented by Focus on the Family, which is scheduled to gather the same day at New Hope Community Church in Clackamas. “The root of homophobia in American cul ture is Christian fundamentalism,” says the Rev. Glenna Shepherd, Metropolitan Community Church of Portland pastor. “The crux of the matter is that civil rights and full inclusion— real integration for G LBT people— won’t be achieved until we address fundamentalism. Christians need to deal with these issues and enter into a dialogue with each other and hear each other, even if we don’t agree. Love Wel comes All provides a beginning, because it shows that there is a Christian perspective that opposes the fundamentalist belief in reparative therapy, that instead emphasizes loving accep tance and support.” For more information call 503-813-2049 or visit www. love welcome sail. org. E quity F oundation A ppoints N ew B oard M embers E quity Foundation— a nonprofit that distrib utes money to gay-friendly charities— announced May 15 the addition of four mem bers to its board of directors. Kregg Amtson is a public information offi cer for Portland General Electric. He is a mem ber of the YMCA’s Public Relations Advisory Committee, served as committee chairman for the 2001 and 2002 AlDSWalks and volunteers Kregg Am tson has joined the Equity Foundation for Our House of Portland. In August 2002 The board of directors Portland Business Journal recognized him as one of the city’s “Forty under 40” for his business and acceptance of diversity at Intel University. She civic leadership. He holds a bachelor’s degree in holds bachelor’s and associate’s degrees in math. business administration and finance from Ann L. Sherman is a partner in the Portland Boston University. office of Preston, Gates & Ellis LLP, focusing on Anne Marie Elder, who works for Intel as a public finance, including federal and state tax fah program manager, has 25 years of experience and securities law issues. She also serves as in the semiconductor manufacturing industry in underwriter, trustee and bank counsel for the United States, Europe and Asia. Her com numerous financial institutions. Sherman munity activities focus on education, mentoring Continued on Page 13 and diversity. Elder also teaches courses in Injured? 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