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ADVICE
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SPIRITUAL IT Y
Metro: Spirituality
Anawim Community of gay men meets weekly
for Chnstian meditation and prayer (7 30 pm
Thursday 503 281 0722.)
Atkinson Memorial Church, a Umtanan
Universalist church, provides a spintual home for
those looking for a liberal-minded, supportive and
caring congregation in Oregon City. (10:30 am
Sunday 710 Sixth St. 503 656 7296 )
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
spiritual growth and community. Coffee hours start
9 30 am Saturdays at 3 Fnends Coffeehouse.
201 SE 12th Ave (503 235-0826 otter@pcez.com.)
Rose City Park Presbyterian Church
a member of the Community of Welcoming
Congregations and the Covenant Network of
Presbytenans, is a vibrant, inclusive community of
faith All God's children are welcome to join in our
life and worship. (10 am Sunday 1907 NE 45th Ave
www. rosecityparkpres org )
Sunday 110:30 am summer) 2025 NE 23rd Ave.
Gresham 503 665 8741.)
United Church of Christ Congregational is
organization for former and current Adventists who
are queer as well as their family and friends
(PO Box 49375, Sarasota. FL 34230-6375
866 732-5677. office@sdakinship.org.
www. sdakinship. org.)
spiritual growth. (10am Sunday. Ill W39th St..
Vancouver. The Rev. Kathleen Verigin
360-573-2626. www abundant life-center. org.)
Congregation P'nai Or (Faces of Light) is a
Southminster Presbyterian Church is an
First Congregational United Church of
Christ has been an open and affirming
vibrant, egalitanan, Jewish Renewal congregation in
Portland. Meets several times a month at Portland
State University Campus Ministries (PO Box 42187.
Portland. OR 97242 0187. 503 248 4500
www.pnaiorpdx org.)
active member of the Community of Welcoming
Congregations. Sunday school, nursery care,
classes, community service activities and events for
all ages and interests (9 am Sunday chapel service.
10 am Sunday main worship service. 12250 SW
Denney Road. Beaverton. 503-644 2073
staff@southmin com. www southmin.com.)
Eastrose Fellowship Unitarian Universalist
a welcoming congregation, offers Sunday service
and children's religious education. (10:30 am
1133NE 181st Ave.. Gresham. 503665 2628
office®east rose,org www.eastrose org.)
St. Andrew Catholic Church invites all to join a
diverse faith community for prayer and fellowship
(9 30 am Sunday; Noon Spanish language service
806 NE Alberta St 503-281-4429 )
Eckankar—Religion of the Light and Sound
of God holds worship services and maintains a
St. James Lutheran Church, a Reconciled in
library of materials. Learn how the Divine Spirit
works throughout your own life in today's world.
(10 am Sunday. 7904 SE Milwaukie Ave
503-233-1595 www eckankar. org.)
Christ congregation, welcomes all people for
traditional, liturgical worship where we experience
God's reconciling love that sets all people free (9
and 11 am Sunday. 1315 SW Park Ave
503-227-2439 www. stjameslutheranportland org.)
Enneagram Community of Portland offers
mentoring, therapy, spiritual direction, classes,
workshops and retreats. (enneagrampdx@aol com
www. enneagramportland. com.)
Faith United Methodist Church is a welcoming
congregation that values and affirms the sacredness
of all people. We invite and encourage everyone to
find a place in the family of God. (10:15 am Sunday.
27400 SE Stark St.. Troutdale. 503-661 4520 )
First Congregational United Church of
Christ is an open and affirming congregation in the
liberal Christian tradition. Church school and nursery
care. (10:25 am Sunday. 1126 SW Park Ave.
503-228-7219)
First Congregational United Church of
Christ of Hillsboro is an open and affirming
congregation explicitly welcoming everyone into its
Christian community, fellowship and worship. Bible
and book study groups. Sunday school and nursery
care. (10:30 am Sunday. 494 E Main St.
503-648-4341. www.hillsboro-ucc.org.)
First Unitarian Church of Portland is an open
and affirming liberal religious community offering a
wide range of programs to nurture spiritual growth,
community and social justice. Sunday service 9 and
11 am. (1011 SW 12th Ave. 503-228 6389
www firstunitarianportland org.)
Gay and Lesbian Outreach (GALO) of St
Philip Neri Catholic Church celebrates an affirming
Mass followed by a social. (7 30 pm Friday Paulist
Center. 2408 SE 16th Ave. 503 231-4955 )
Integrity is a group of sexual minority
Episcopalians and friends. Various locations
throughout Oregon. (Steven Norcross or Bruce
503-286 9111 brucepdxor&comcast net
www. integrityusa org.)
Interfaith Spiritual Center houses spiritual
directors from various world religious traditions, who
are available for guidance, classes and retreats.
(Second Floor. 3910 SE 11th Ave 503 233-2026,
ext 3 www.interfaithspiritualcenter.com.)
Koinonia Catholic Community is a
progressive, small faith community that gathers
weekly to celebrate Euchanst at Bndgeport United
Church of Christ. A welcoming congregation.
Catholic in tradition and Ecumenical in membership
(6 pm Sunday. 621 NE 76th Ave 503-699-0473
www koinomacommunity. org.)
Metanoia Peace Community United
Methodist Church is a "house church" that
brings gay and straight together Daily morning
prayer and Sunday evening worship (503-281 3697.
www tearsoup com/metanoia.)
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 service. (2400 NE
Broadway 503 281 8868 mfo&mccportland com.
www mccportland com.)
Nichiren Buddhist Temple of Portland offers
several weekly gatherings Everyone welcome1
(10 am Sunday. 7 30 am Tuesday and Thursday
7:30 pm Wednesday meditation. 2025 SE Yamhill
St 503 232 8064 www. nichiren-shu org/portland)
Peace Church of the Brethren is a welcoming
congregation (11 am Sunday 12727 SE Market St.
503 2546380)
Portland Center for Spiritual Growth is a
center for worship, growth and leadership that
adheres to an all inclusive spintual philosophy similar
to 12 step. Unity and Religious Science Impromptu
wedding ceremonies available (503 777-0727.
www portlandcenter org)
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church has been
welcoming all people since 1863. (12:10pm
Wednesday and 7:45 and 10 am Sunday. Sunday
school and child care at 10 am. 1432 SW 13th Ave.
503223-6424)
SisterSpirit offers women's spintuality
celebrations, discussion groups, a drumming circle,
workshops and classes. Schedule of events
available All women are welcome. (Suite 102,
3430 SE Belmont St Mailing address PO Box
9246, Portland. OR 97207 503-736-3297
sistersp@teleport. com.)
Unitarian Universalist Community Church
of Washington County is an open and affirming
Washington: Spirituality
Abundant Life Center assists the community in
congregation since 1992, extending God's
extravagant welcome to all people, no matter who
they are or where they are on life's journey.
(1220 NE 68th St.. Vancouver. 360 693 1476.
www. vancouverucc org.)
Longview United Methodist Church is
welcoming and reconciling (10 am Sunday
2851 30th Ave.. Longview. 360425 4927 )
Metropolitan Church of the Gentle
Shepherd welcomes you. Bible study follows
morning worship (10:30 am and 6 30 pm Sunday.
2200 Broadway St., Vancouver The Rev Hamet
Barshofsky 360-695-1480)
Michael Servitus Unitarian Universalist
Fellowship a Welcoming Congregation, provides
a home for the liberal religious spirit. (9 30 and
11:15 am Sunday 4505 E 18th St.. Vancouver
360-695-1891)
St. Luke's Episcopal Church has welcomed all
people since 1853 Traditional but never stuffy
(English: 8 and 10:30 am Sunday Spanish: 1 pm
Sunday. Child care at 10.30 am 426 E Fourth Plain
Blvd., Vancouver. The Rev John Allen
360-696-0181 www stlukeschurch. info.)
Willamette Valley: Spirituality
First Congregational Church. United Church of
Christ is an open and affirming congregation offenng
worship and church school. Child care provided and
wheelchair accessible. (9:30 am Sunday learning
hour. 10 30 am worship. 700 Marion St. NE. Salem.
503-363 3660)
liberal religious community offering a variety of
enrichment programs in addition to community and
social action opportunities (9 and 11 am Sunday
22785 NW Birch St.. Hillsboro. 503 648 1720.
www.uuccwc.org.)
Metropolitan Community Church Two
Rivers is a Chnstian church with pnmary outreach
University Park United Methodist Church is
in the sexual minorities community. (6 30 pm
Sunday 1166 Oak St . Eugene )
a small, diverse, open and progressive community of
faith that extends a warm welcome to all people
(10 am Sunday 4775 N Lombard St 503-289 7843
www.upumc.net.)
Waverly Heights United Church of Christ is
open and affirming with worship, children's school
and child care. (10 am summer. 11 am school year
3300 SE Woodward St 503 238 1337.
pastor@wavedyucc.org www.wavedyucc.org.)
Wy'east Unitarian Universalist
Congregation is an open and liberal religious
community offering intergenerational services and
religious education for youth and adults. We
welcome gay. lesbian, bi and trans members and
nurture spintual growth living by Unitarian
Universalist pnnciples (5 pm Sunday 3300 SE
Woodward St. 503-777-3704
www. wyeast.pnwd uua. org.)
Zion United Church of Christ, an open and
affirming congregation, is open to gay. lesbian, tn,
trans and heterosexual people who wish to worship
in a Christ-centered, warm, canng.
multiage/race/cultural faith community. (11 am
YOUTH
Metro: Youth
Wyt
U1VW WUUl^fl* hUWWCiWVfl
Network (GLSEN) strives to assure that each
member of every school community is valued and
respected, regardless of sexual orientation or
gender identity/expression (12700 SW North
Dakota St . Suite 180»129. Tigard. OR 97223
503-525-1177. glaenOglsenoregon.org.
www.glsenoregon.org.)
Outside In operates a clinic for anyone who can't
qualify for the Oregon Health Ran as well as needte
exchange services that include those who inject
hormones. Provide transitional housing for youth 20
and younger and for those HIV-positive and younger
than 23 Need volunteers of all ages. (10am6pm
Monday-Friday 1132 SW 13th Ave. 503 535-3800
www.outsidein.org)
Pride Prajeet brings together Washington County
queer and questioning youth to plan and attend
monthly social events Also information, referral and
advocacy services in Washington County (MoKy
503260-5792 moHyOpndeprojectorg.)
Gym buddy wants to show
lesbian couple his equipment
an open and affirming congregation in The Dalles
(920 am adult Sunday school. 10:30 am worship
19.30am summer). Ill EFifth St. 541 2962909
ucccongl@netcnct net
www forministry. com/usorucofcucocc )
Bridgeport United Church of Christ is a
community of progressive, political people explonng
and celebrating the Chnstian faith. We are sexual
minority and straight, multicultural and multiracial,
and our children are valued members. (10 30 am
Sunday 621 NE 76th Ave 503 258 0992
www.bridgeportucc.org.)
Seventh-Day Adventist Kinship is a support
Three's a crowd
Central Oregon: Spirituality
Profile Theatre Project shows us The
Full Monty June 14.
Wednesday. 4-11 pm Friday 2100SE Belmont St.
503 872 9664 www.smyrc.org)
Eastern Oregon: Youth
Eftstem Oregon Contor for Indopondont
Living offers support and advocacy to gay. lesbian,
bi. trans and questioning youth in Eastern Oregon.
(1021 SW Fifth Ave.. Ontario 541 8893119 or
866248-8369. eocKOeocH.org. wwweocil.org.)
Washington: Youth
Triple Point offers education, support and
adwcacy to gay, lesbian, bi, trans and questioning
youth m Vancouver. Meets every Tuesday in the
basement of Youth House. (68 pm. 1112 Columbia
St . John 360-695-1325 )
Willamette Valley: Youth
Gey. Lesbian, Bi. Tronogonder and
QaeaNaniag Youth Group for ages 13 to 18
offers support, information and fun in Eugene Free,
confidential, adult facilitated (Drop m 4-6pm Friday
Amazon Community Center. 2700 HKyardSt.
541-684-3466.)
Sexuai Minority Youth Reeouroe Center
(SMYRQ offers support, recreation counseling
and referral to gey. lesbian, bi and trans kids 23 and
younger. Drop-in computer access, pool tables and
an informal piece to hang out. Weekly trans,
LaoMan, Gay, BieoxuaL Transgender Youth
Group for agee 25 and younger meets every
Monday m Eugene (5 pm Koinonia Canter.
leadership and art support group meetings (4-9 pm
1414 Kincaid St 541 3461134 )
D ear M s .
B ehavior :
another person’s
body against yours,
My sweetie and I
so you don’t expect
are hardworking
much. You’ve
ladies in our early
probably had to form
and mid-40s who
a hard little
like to keep in shape
protective shell so
hy hitting the gym
you don’t take things
at least three times a
too personally.
week.
A potentially
About six
disappointing sexual
months ago, T.K.,
experience won’t
a buff, 38-year-old
crush you; you’ve
straight guy, started
already lowered your
hanging around with
standards anyway.
by Meryl Cohn
us and joining in our
(I'irinking, in this
workouts. T.K. is
scenario, decreases
fun, irresistibly good
the likelihood of
looking and mature, and he’s bragged caring if something goes wrong but
about his experience and skills in
increases the risk of vomiting.)
“pleasing lesbians in bed.”
If, at the other extreme, you’re in
We’re both attracted to him. Last
a relationship, bringing your partner
week he winked and said to us, “Let
to the table as part of your hookup
me know when you’re ready to
raises the stakes a lot. It increases the
continue this workout up at my
likelihood of jealousy and
apartment—I’ve got some equipment competition and offers your partner
I think you’ll like.” We’re tempted.
the opportunity to witness (and
We’ve had a few threesomes in our
remind you about) anything weird or
day, but never with a guy.
awkward that might happen.
But T.K. is divorced, and his ex-
Could an actual sexual act ever
wife, who is very nice and quite hot
live up to your steamy fantasy? In
herself, is a member of our gym. He
your mind’s eye,.sex is always smooth
also has a 9-year-old daughter he says and sweet and pretty; everything
he wants us to meet.
looks and tastes delightful and goes
With these complications, T.K’s
just as expected.
not exactly the stud-for-hire, no-
But once you go home with the
strings-attached, dildo replacement
object of your fantasy, you risk
of our occasional fantasies. Still, it’s
encountering all sorts of things
an offer too hard (if you know what I
you’ve never imagined: an elbow in
mean) to turn down.
the eye, an aversion to his bcxly hair,
What’s your advice? What would
jealousy between you and your
you do? Thanks! We love your
girlfriend, body-building posters on
column.
the walls, scary family photos on the
—Three on a Treadmill mantel, cat fur on the sheets, an
unhygienic bathroom, weird body
D ear T hree on a T readmill :
smells, performance anxiety,
On the right kind of sultry
disappointment or subsequent social
summer day, Ms. Behavior might
awkwardness.
encourage you to go for it. A
Worse, after you and your GF
threesome could be a fun romp. Sex
have sex with your gym buddy, you
with your gym buddy could spice up
may find yourself reluctant to put on
your relationship, and if it turns into
your sneakers and your sexy little
a disaster—with T.K.’s ex-wife trying
sweatpants. Your gym nights could
to slap you in the sauna and his
become American Idol nights, and
9-year-old spitting whenever she sees
your thighs could turn to cottage
you—you always have the option of
cheese. Is it worth it?
switching to Lucille Roberts.
T.K. might be a great guy, but he’s
But today, perhaps influenced by
likely a better friend than dyke
damp weather, Ms. Behavior can’t
pleasing stud. If you don’t believe
help but be a wet blanket: Why blow
Ms. Behavior, it sounds like you have
a good thing? Your attraction to T.K.
immediate access to his ex-wife, who
is a great incentive for you and your
may enjoy the opportunity to be
partner to get to the gym, work out
candid about T.K.’s sexual skills and
and enjoy the attention and fun.
whether he’s overstated them. And if
A threesome with the dude will
the ex-wife happens to like
probably be far less fulfilling than the threesomes....
fantasy.
As for what Ms. Behavior might
Why? Well, anytime you
do in this situation, only her
contemplate having sex with
personal trainer knows for sure. n
someone new, there’s a cost/risk
analysis you should automatically do
M eryl C ohn is the author of Do
in your head to decide whether it’s
What 1 Say: Ms. Behavior’s Guide
to Gay and Lesbian Etiquette.
worth it.
If, for example, you’ve been single Signed copies are available directly
from the author Send questions or
for several months or longer, the
stakes are relatively low; you barely
correspondence to
msbehavunQaol. com.
remember what it’s like to feel
Ms. Behavior