november 21.2003 * Just PEOPLE Building bridges gay Felipe Leon w an ts to be a bi g Latino brother to Portland’s queer y o u th by eatingout eatingout eatingout eatingout cDulm{§ eatin CAFE & ESPRESSO BAR E r in S e x t o n -S a y l e r P Sigh, the price of ortlander Felipe Leon won the title of success...Mr. Gay Mr. Gay Latino Oregon last summer Latino Oregon and is working hard to serve his com- Felipe Leon munity while he reigns. The 22-year- performs some of old is fluent in English and Spanish and learn­ his duties for ing sign language while working as the clinic adoring crowds coordinator at Outside In. at Klub Z “1 am just someone who wants to have fun, who wants to learn from other cultures and experience what other people have experi­ enced,” says Leon. “I want to he a better person for myself and a better person for my communi­ ty members.” According to pageant coordinator David Zambrano, the Mr. and Miss Gay Latino/ Larina Pageant was started in 1998 by Carlos Torres, who owned then gay bar Exstasis. W hen he moved away in 2001, Zambrano took over the pageant, which grew into a statewide event. The pageant is open to any Latino or Latina who wants to compete, and the ritleholders are recognized by the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court. Mr. and Miss Gay Latino/Latina Oregon represent the Beaver State in the Queen and King of V the Universe Pageant. Leon is excited about the networking he is doing with other Mr. Gay Latinos across the United States. His counterparts in California and Washington have invited him to come visit, and he is eager to spread the word about the Oregon pageant and its mission. “The purpose of these titleholders is to educate the community on how to become a Latino leader and role model, to network with other organi­ zations to promote health and HIV prevention and to build bridges within other cultures," he explains, appearing to take this Leon has several goals for his term. First, creed very seriously. “People expect you to he he is eager to show his appreciation to a role model 24 hours, seven days a week. friends and family who have supported him Working here at Outside In...I do that." He along the way. He reports that his mother enjoys it when patients recognize him as the helps him with costumes and ideas for per­ titleholder and receives support from the formances. He also wants to recognize the clinic in his pageant role. community organizations that have support­ ed the pageant: Darcellc XV, Silverado, r. and Miss Gay Latino/Latina Oregon Scandals, Kluh Z and Embers. aren’t the only official representatives Leon also hopes to from Portland and Oregon’s queer Latinc start providing support community. The organi­ and mentoring to Lati­ zation Poder Latino dc no/Latina high schoolers Oregon is also moving who are gay, lesbian, hi, and shaking, “focusing on trans or questioning. developing leadership “I’ve seen that in the ...by organizing social, Latino community we educational and HIV pre­ need more of that offer vention events." ‘I’m willing to help’ or ‘I Leon and Zamhrano am a resource.’ ” are quick to acknowledge Beginning early next the tension that arose in year Leon would like to June after an alleged mis- start a peer group that communication between will he able to go out to Miss Gay Latina Oregon high schixils and orga­ and Ptxler Latino sur­ nizations serving Latino rounding her place on the and Latina youth and organization’s float during provide them with Portland Pride 2003. resources such as phone numbers and Leon is committed to changing the way the information. “Kind of like the Big Brother public views their interactions. “All we can do is respect all other organizations, unite as much program.’ ’ in as we can, extend our welcome, open our doors and show support. We can hope for the best for E rin S exton -S ayler k the resident sassy ad dyke at Just Out. them as well for us.” MIDWESTERN BEEF G U LF PRAW NS AUSTRALIAN LOBSTER P O R T LA N D P R IC E S IN S T E A D O F C H IC A G O ’S You don't have to go to a Chicago Steak House to get a quality meal. Come to Sayler’s. For over 55 years w e’ve been providing Portland families a great steak dinner at a fair price. So that one day, you can make a trip to, say, the midwest. SatflenA M "I want to learn from other cultures and experience what other people have experienced. I want to be a better person for myself and a better person for m y community members OLD COUNTRY KITCHEN 105th Si S.E. Stark 503-252-4171 Football Special $5.00 Buffet Sunday at 9