juna fi. 2003
SPIRITUALITY
Metro: Spirituality
Ainsworth United Church of Christ is a multi
racial, multicultural, open and affirm ing church. Sunday
worship is at 10 am; church school for children runs
concurrently (2941 NE Ainsworth St 503284 8767
aucc@1elepod com.) (7/03)
Answim Community of gay men meets weekly for
Chnstian meditation and prayer (7 30 pm Thursday
503281 0 7 2 2 ) (7/03)
Atkinson Memorial Church is a Unitanan Universalis!
welcoming congregation in Oregon City. (710 Sixth St
503-656-7296 wwwatkmsonchurch com ) (7/03)
Bible Abuse Recovery is a spintual growth group
for healing gay, lesbian, bi and trans people hurt and
abused by distorted and manipulative views of the
Bible (503-760-5791. biblerecovery@yahoocom.
www geocities com/biblerecovery. 1(7/03)
Bridgeport United Church of Christ is a commu
mty of progressive, political people exploring and cele
brating the Chnstian faith We are sexual mmonty and
straight, multicultural and multiracial, and our children
are valued members (10 30 am Sunday 621 NE 76th
Ave 503-258-0992 www bndgepoducc o rg ) (7/03)
The City Church. Portland's "oldest gay-affirming
Chnstian church," offers a spint-dnven church for
today s diverse generations. (10 am Sunday commu
nion and worship service. 6 3 0 pm Sunday worship
service. 7 pm Wednesday Bible study 3830 SE 62nd
Ave 503-775-5024 7(7/03)
Congregation Neveh Shalom, an open and pro
gressive Conservative Jewish synagogue, extends a
warm welcome to all sexual minonties Shabbat ser
vices 8 :15 pm Fnday and 9 am Saturday (2900 SW
Peaceful Lane 503-246 8831.) ( 7/03)
Congregation P'nai Or (Faces of Light) is a
vibrant, egalitarian. Jewish Renewal congregation in
Portland M eets several times a month in vanous loca
tions (PO Box 42187, Portland. OR 97242-0187.
503-248-4500 www pnatorpdx o rg ) (7/03)
Dignity Portland meets for Mass on Sundays.
(503-262-694 7 ) (7/03)
Eastrose Fellowship Unitarian Universalist a
welcoming congregation, offers Sunday service and
children's religious education (1 0 3 0 am 1133 NE
181st A v e . Gresham 503-665-2628
eastrose@teleport com.) (7/03)
Faith United Methodist Church is a welcoming
community of Chnstians in Troutdale that values and
encourages all people in finding a place of belonging in
the family of God Sunday worship at 10:15 am; Adult
Education at 9 am; children and youth at 10:30 am.
Wednesday Prayers 6-6 30 pm (27400 SE Stark St
503-661 -4520) (7/03)
First Unitarian Church of Portland is an open and
affirm ing liberal religious community offenng a wide
range of programs to nurture spintual growth, commu
nity and social justice. Sunday service 9 and 11 am
(1011 SW 12th Ave 503-228-6389
www firstumtananportland o rg ) (7/03)
available for guidance, classes and retreats (Second
Floor. 3910 SE 11th Ave 503-2332026. ext 3.
www mterfaithspintualcenter com.) (7/03)
Keshet Portland is a group for Jewish members of
Wavoriy Heights UCC is open and affirming with
worsNp, children's school and child care. (10 am
Sunday 3300 SE Woodward St. 503 238 1337
www.wavertyucc.org.) (7/04)
Koinonia Catholic Community is a progressive,
Wy'east Unitarian Universalist Congregation
small faith community that gathers weekly to celébrate
Euchanst at Bridgeport United Church of Chnst. A
welcoming congregation. Catholic in tradition and
Ecumenical m membership (6 pm Sunday 621 NE
76th Ave 503 699-0473
www komomacommunity org ) (7/03)
is an open and liberal rekgious community offenng
mtergenerational services and rekgious education for
children It welcomes gay. lesbian, bi and trans mem
bers Nurtures spintual growth and promotes living by
Unitarian Umversakst principles (4 pm Sunday
3915 SE Steele St 503 777 3704
www wyeast pnwd uuaorg.) (7/03)
Metanoia Peace Community United
Methodist Church is a "house church" that bnngs
gay and straight together (Daily prayer 7 20 am.
Sunday gathenng 5 pm. 2116 NE 18th Ave
503-281 ■3697 www tearsoup.com/metanoia) (7/03)
Metropolitan Community Church of Portland
holds ecumenical Sunday morning worship services at
9 and 11 am Sunday school for children is held dunng
the 11 am worship service. (2400 NE Broadway
503 281 8868 mfo@mccportland com.) (7/03)
Portland Center for Spiritual Growth is a New
Thought, uplifting, refreshing and exciting place of
worship Become a m inister m our ministerial program.
(10 am Sunday Call for location. 503-777 0727.)
(7/03)
Portland Church of Religious Science is a lib
eral. open, progressive New Thought community w el
coming everyone to discover the spint within Change
your thinking, change your life! (10 am Sunday medita
tion. 10 30 am service and ¡umor church. 6 30 pm
Wednesday prayer circle 3983 NE 112th Ave
503 261 0677.) (7/03)
Portland Radical Faeries meet twice a month
with potlucks and circles at the full moon and the new
moon Open to all men seeking alternative spintual
growth and community Coffee hours start 9 30 am
Saturdays at 3 Fnends Coffeehouse. 201 SE 12th
Ave. (503 235-0826 otterQpcei com.) (7/03)
SisterSpirit offers women's sprntuaiity celebrations,
discussion groups, a drumming circle, workshops and
classes Schedule o f events available All women are
welcome (Suite 102. 3430 SE Belmont St Mailing
address PO Box 9246. Portland. OR 97207.
503 736 3297 ststersp@teleport c.om.) (7/03)
Spirit Circle is for lesbian, bi or trans women seek
ing a welcoming community in the Catholic church.
Meets every third Thursday in the St. Andrew Nativity
School (7 pm 806 NE Alberta St.
IbtspmtcircleQyahoo co m ) (7/03)
Southminstor Presbyterian Church is a chai
lengmg, supportive community that welcomes all peo
ple It is the first M ore Light Presbyterian Church in
Oregon Sunday school and nursery care. (10 am
Sunday 12250 SW Denney Road. Beaverton
503-644-2073 staff@southmm com .)(7/03)
First United Methodist Church of Portland, a
welcoming and reconciling congregation, believes no
one is left out in God's family Sexual mmonty potlucks
held monthly (10:30 am Sunday 1838 SW Jefferson
St 503-228 3195 www fumcpdx org ) (7/03)
diverse faith community for prayer and fellowship
(9 30 am Sunday. 806 NE Alberta St 5 0 3 28 1 4 4 2 9 )
(7/03)
Gay and Lesbian Outreach (GALO) of St Philip
St. James Lutheran Church a Reconciled in
Nen Catholic Church celebrates an affirm ing Mass fo l
lowed by a social (7 30 pm Fnday Paulist Center.
2408 SE 16th Ave 503 231 4 9 5 5 ) (7/03)
Integrity is a group of sexual mmonty Episcopalians
and friends Vanous locations throughout Oregon
(Bruce Mason 503 286-9111 bnx:epdxorOattbi com
www mtegntyusa org.) (7/03)
Interfaith Spiritual Center houses spintual direc
tors from vanous world religious traditions, who are
YOUTH
St. Andrew Catholic Church invites all to join a
Chnst congregation, welcomes all people for tradition
á . liturgical worship where we experience God s rec
onciling love that sets all people free (9 and 11 am
Sunday 1315 SW Park Ave 503 227 2 4 3 9 ) (7/03)
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church has been wel
coming all people since 1863 (12.10 pm Wednesday
and 745 and 10 am Sunday Sunday school and child
care at 10 am Southwest 13th Avenue at Clay Street
503-223-6424.) (7/03)
recreation to gey. lesbian, bi and trans kids 23 and
younger Programs include: Clackamna County
Metro: Youth
Sexual Minority Youth Connection (COS*
M YO provides opportunities for queer and question
Flavors a program of MultiQueer and Brother to
Brother is a social support group for sexual minority
youth of color 24 and younger. Meets every other Sunday
for food and socializing Regular events and activities
ing kids to get together for free, fun and supportive
social activities Also one-on-one support and referrals
to Clackamas County service providers.
(503-969-0060 cosmycyouth@yahoo.com.)
Expression is a free art/expresawn support group m
Gresham for queer youth Hang out and have fon
every Friday) (Jonathan 503-8729664. ext 2 8 )
Pride Project brings together Washington County
queer and questioning youth to plan and attend month
ly social events Also information, referral and advoca
cy service« in Waahxigton County. (M olly
503 260-5792. m oty@ iv-deptojact o rg ) Sexuol
(Jaye 503-228-3892 or iaye®mfam*y org.) (7/03)
The Gay, Lasbian and Straight Education
Network (GLSEN) fights to end anti-gay bias in K-12
schools (12700 SW North Dakota S t. Suite 180.
*129. Tigard. OR 97223. 503-525-1177
glsen@glsenotegon org www.gtaenoregon org. ) (7/03)
MuMQuoer, a program of Love Makes a Family, pro
vides advocacy to sexual minority youth Offers
resources and support« the community and the school
systems, with a focus on support for youth of color.
(Jaye 5032283892 or pye6tmfam4y.org.) (7/03)
O uts id « In operates a clinic for anyone who can't
qualify for the Oregon Health Plan as well as needte
exchange services that include those who inject hor
mones Can provide transitional housing for youth 20
and younger as well as for those HIV 4 and younger
than 23 Also plays boat to VOICES (Voice« of
Individual and Community Empowerment from the
Streets), a self-support group for queer youth Needs
volunteers of a l ages (10 am-6 pm Mcnday-Fddey
1132 SW 13th Ave 503535-3800
www outsidem org.) (7/0 3 )
Vanguard Youth Services a program of
Cascadia Behavioral HealthCane. offers support and
Trinity United Methodist Church is an open
Chnstian community where faith and We intersect AH
nvited! (10 30 am Sunday 3915 SE Steele St. The
Rev Wendy Joy Woodworth 503-777-3901) (7/03)
the sexual minonties community and their partners,
spouses and supporters M onthly social, religious and
cultural events (David or Laney 503 226-7079.
ext M .7Í7/03)
Longview United Methodist Church is welcom
ing and reconciling (10 am Sunday 2851 30th Ave
360-425-4927) (7/03)
Minority Youth Recreation Contar (SMYRO
offers drop-m computer access, pool tables and an
informal piece to hang out Weekly youth support
groups includes Trans Youth Group and Personal
Deity Proxy (a creative group) (4-8 pm Monday and
Wednesday. 4 pm-mldnight Fnday and Saturday
2100 SE Belmont St. 5 0 3872 9664 TTY
503 231 9286 www 9m yK.0rg .) Youth HIV/STD
Prevention Project provides fon and educations!
programs along with counseling and testing to queer
youth in a fnenrky, relaxed environment
(503872-9664 7(7/03)
Eastern Oregon: Youth
ADVICE
.....*.....
Zion United Church of Christ an open and
affirm ing congregation, is open to gay. lesbian, bi.
trans and heterosexual people who wish to worship in
a Chnst centered, warm, canng. m ultiage/race/cultural
faith community (11 am Sunday 2025 NE 23rd Ave..
Gresham 503 665-8741.) (7/03)
Washington: Spirituality
Abundant Life Center is A New Thought
Community for spintual awakening and transforming
lives through love. A safe place where children team
to embody spintual pnnciples (10 am Sunday
10006 NE Ninth Ave.. Vancouver 360-573-2626 )
(7/03)
East Vancouver United Methodist Church is
reconciling and welcoming (W arn Sunday
5701 MacArthur Btvd 360693 4761
ourclarkcounty Columbian com/273/.) (7/03)
First Congregational Church. United Church of
Chnst. holds two Sunday services, traditional and
"less traditional" in an open and affirming congrega
tion (1220 NE 68th St.. Vancouver 360-693 1476
vanucc@ac4.com.) (7/03)
God's Holy Territory is a chansmatic. joy-filled
worship experience in Vancouver where everyone is
welcome: gay. lesbian, bi. trans and straight (11 am
Sunday service Bible study 7 pm Thursdays, except
third Thursday. 1500 NE 49th St 360-885 9461.
pastorQgodsholytemtory co m ) (7/03)
Metropolitan Community Church of the
Gentle Shepherd m Vancouver welcomes you
(10 3 0 am arid 6 3 0 pm Sunday worship. 9 am Sunday
Bible study 2200 Broadway The Rev Harriet
Barshofsky 360895 1480) (7/03)
Michael Servetus Unitarian Universalist
Fellowship, a Welcoming Congregation, provides a
home for the liberal religious spint. (9 15 and 11 am
Sunday 4505 E 18th St.. Vancouver. 360-6951891.)
(7/03)
Willamette Valley: Spirituality
First Congregational Church. United Church of
Chnst is an open and affirming congregation offenng
worship and church school. Child care provided and
wheelchair accessible (9 am Sunday learning hour.
10 am worship 700 Manon St NE. Salem
503 363 36 6 0) (7/03)
Morning side United Methodist Church is a
reconciling congregation where everyone is welcome
to participate m the full We of the congregation (83 0
and I I am Sunday 3674 12th St SE. Salem
503 364 5013 )(7 /0 3 )
Sacred Souls honors all sacred paths, promotes
peace and strives to create an environment that sup
ports and promotes mterfaith dialogue Meets at the
Oregon School of Massage (630-8 pm Sunday 440
Ferry St. SE. Salem wholhlth@aolcom
www sacredsoutsorg.) (7/03)
Living offers support and advocacy to gay. lesbian,
bi. trans and questioning youth in Eastern Oregon.
(541-889-3119 o r 866-2488369 eoc49eoct.org.
www.aoct.org.) (7/03)
Ready to cha cha?
You don’t have to stay home
hut avoid prickly dates
D
M
ear
s
. B
e h a v io r
— Jasm ine
D
ear
J a
s m in e
:
Your readiness to date depends
mostly on how recovered you feel
from your recent relationship and
breakup, which you can probably
quantify with a simple injury assess
ment. If you still have more than one
of these symptoms of damage, you’re
probably not ready:
1. Persistent bitterness that
remains despite repeated processing
with your friends or therapist of the
events leading up to your breakup.
2. Obsession with your ex. This
may take a variety of forms: driving by
her house to see if she’s home, on
going conversations in your head or
with your ex about who was right or
wrong, or concern with whether the
woman she’s dating now is as sexually
exciting as you were.
3. Deep cynicism (which feels situ
ational rather than characterological)
about love.
4. Virgin/whore mood swings,
which manifest as bouts of staying
home, vowing celibacy and pledging
devotion to a box of Girl Scout cook
ies, alternating with bouts of sleeping
with scary, inappropriate people you’d
never have looked at before.
D
ear
M
s
. B
e h a v io r
:
My girlfriend prefers a cleanly
shaven chacha, but when it grows in
it gets kind of prickly. Do you think I
should try tweezing instead?
Thanks for your opinion.
— Choum Box
Washington: Youth
D
to gey. lesbian, bi. trans and questiorwig youth in
Vancouver. Wash Meets 6-8 pm Tuesdays n the
basement of Youth House. 1112 Columbia S t in
Vancouver. (John 360695-1325.) (7/03)
Tweezing is a good option only if
you and girlfriend are both aroused by
slow torture, or if you need a hobby to
occupy your minds while you are
doing something tedious like, say,
quitting smoking.
Unfortunately, snatch tweezing is
welcome in even fewer public places
than is smoking, so you probably
won’t he able to do it while standing
and waiting for your train or in front
of a restaurant in between dinner and
dessert.
Waxing, which needs to be done
about once a month, is also painful,
hut it’s much quicker. Eventually the
hair grows in finer and less prickly.
If you think you and your bald-
Coy. I tihfon. Bi, Trsntfrm ftr and
Questioning Youth Group for ages 13 to 18
offers support, «»formation and fun in Eugene. Free,
confidential. adult-facAtated (Drop in 4 6 pm Friday.
Amazon Community Canter, 2700 Htyard S t
541684-3466.) (7/03)
Laablen. Gay, H m h is I, Tronogondor Youth
Croup for ages 25 and younger meets every Monday
In Eugene (5 pm Nomante Center. 1414 Kincaid St.
541-3461134.) (7/0 3 )
Rainbow Youth of Sate« for hadn 21 and
younger meets twice weekly (8 6 pm Tuesday.
4 6 pm Thursday 600 State S t Dan, 50 3 9 3 6 7 2 8 0 )
(7/0 3 )
ear
C
Box:
Triple Point offers education, support and advocacy
Willamette Valley: Youth
chacha fetishist are
destined to be together
for a long time (and
you enjoy the hairless
look), you might con
sider some type of “per
manent” hair removal,
like electrolysis or laser.
Keep in mind, though,
that it’s not unusual for
some hair to grow back
eventually; some prac
titioners (like some
girlfriends) who claim
“forever” are lying.
:
I ended a rocky,
long-term relationship
six months ago. Some
of my friends are now
urging me to “get out
there” by answering
personal ads or going
out on blind dates.
Other friends tell me
that not enough time
has passed and that I
should wait.
Do you have any
hints for how 1 might
tell whether I’m ready to start dating?
h o w n
D
ear
M
s
. B
e h a v io r
:
It seems to me you missed Ed’s
point in his letter bemoaning the fact
that his coupled friends do not invite
him to join in their blissful coupling
games. It’s my reading that Ed is not
invited because perhaps he’s an
embarrassing whore who “can’t
devote [himself] to one person.”
What respectable couple wants to
be reminded of how sad our current
gay culture is? I am not a self-hating
fag, trust me; I love our community
and support it fully, hut, please, we are
run amuck with a bunch of shallow
sluts and drug addicts.
He says he’s waiting for Mr. Right
to come along, but, honey, how is he
ever going to know when he can’t
devote the time or the effort?
— Blissfully Uncoupled
But N ot Bitching
D
ear
B u
t
N
B l is s f u l l y U
o t
B
n c o u pled
it c h in g
:
You may he right that some of Ed’s
friends view him as you do— as an
“embarrassing whore.” And it’s true
that relationships require time and
attention, which Ed may be unwilling
to devote. However, Ms. Behavior
sees no point in judging or trying to
reform someone who is not interested
in monogamy or who doesn’t neces
sarily view a coupled relationship as
an ideal for himself, at least for now.
Also, even if Ed is a shallow slut
by your standards, he said nothing to
suggest he’s a drug addict. It sounds
like his idea of a good time is more
likely dinner parties or Scrabble
games with coupled friends (perhaps
some even you would find
“respectable” ), not drug or bareback -
ing orgies in after-hour clubs.
If you indeed “love our communi
ty,” why would you assume the worst
or perpetuate the stereotypes inflicted
on us by others, just because someone
isn’t ready to settle into the kind of
coupling you find acceptable? JT1
© Meryl Cohn 2003
M eryl C ohn is the author o f Do
W hat I Say: Ms. Behavior’s Guide to
Gay and Lesbian Etiquette
(H oughton M ifflin). Signed copies are
available directly from the author. Send
questions or correspondence to
m sbehavior@ aol. com .
37