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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (June 17, 2005)
14 Just OUt ’ tune 17. 2005 cm ¡i rivi Sinews A P lace to C all H omo Q Center gains momentum at Pride by Jay mee R. Cuti modest building with four walls and a meeting he Q Center, a temporary moniker, has set an ambitious goal. Planners room or a mi 11 ion-doll ar, first-rate facility with a expect the queer-specific commu- j fitness center, entertainment venue, offices for nity center will be up and running health services and relevant resources, a cafe, by Portland Pride ’06. a library, public art and workshop classrooms. “That’s the goal,” agreed City Commissioner Although Adams could not commit city Sam Adams and recently announced interim money to the project, he remains optimistic director Susan Remmers, an experienced advo about funds, reminding meeting attendees that cate in the nonprofit sector. office rentals could generate income. Adams and Remmers held a public meeting “We will have to make a case at Pride among this month to strategize revenue-raising oppor people who can give us money,” said Adams. tunities at this year’s Pride event to create Port “And to overcome skepticism because of previ land’s first GLBTQ community center. Pride ous attempts that never came to fruition.” National HIV Testing Day • Monday, June 27 Free Walk- In HIV Testing • n a.m. - 1 p.m. • Anonymous • Needle Free • Results ready in 20 minutes At All Washington County Health Clinics Beaverton Tigard Hillsboro 12550 SW 2nd (between Hall & Watson) 155 N First Ave (corner of First & Main) 15296 SW Royalty Pkwy (behind Les Schwab across from King City) for more information, please call 50^-^46-47^4. ¿¿T we ketp you, wu/igáfo Poetiamoli fait & funioui val eitatê wankét. Django Records in downtown Portland is one of many potential locations for the Q Center. LISA GRISSOM BROKER COLDWELL BANKER B arbara S ue S eal P roperties DIRECT: 503-699-3844 FAX: 503-626-5137 12725 SW MILLIKAN WAY SUITE 100 B eaverton , or 97005 COLDUUeU. BANKER □ 503-643-7325 has become a touchstone to measure progress with the project. Approximately 1,600 commu nity members ranked the need for a community center for sexual minorities in “Out with It” sur veys conducted at Pride in 2003. To meet the mark, volunteers are launching two large-scale fund-raising parties at Pride and gaining visibility by marching in the parade and staffing a booth at the festival. “If you want the center, you’re going to have to make it happen,” said Remmers, part cheer leader, part taskmaster. “Along the way, there will he ample opportunity to do some real work.” The two events expected to raise “seed money” for the Q Center are the Portland Pride Warehouse Block Party and auction, hosted by local celebrity Poison Waters on June 18, and the Taking Pride in Stark Bkxzk Party, featuring DJs and world-class performers June 19. The hkxzk party alone is expected to raise between $10,000 and $30,000. Remmers’ priority, immediately following Pride, is to assemble a board and a founder’s cir cle, which will develop a business plan and guide site selection, grant solicitation and nam ing the community center. The board is also charged with the task of deciding whether the center will begin as a I Skepticism surrounding the center’s opening date may also persist because a location has not been cemented. “Encourage anyone who owns a building to come forward,” Remmers half-joked. Project volunteers have conducted seven site tours but count the locale scouting expedi tions to date as practice. A few potential loca tions included the former Jantzen Swimwear headquarters on Northeast 19th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard, the Chevrolet car dealership on Northeast 16th Avenue and Sandy Boule vard, an Old Town site on Northwest Fourth Avenue and Flanders Street, and Django Records on Southwest 1 1th Avenue and Stark Street. “We were learning to ask questions,” said Adams. “Each site had its strengths." He said the group has not discussed which locations had the most potential. Through the 2003 surveys, both the gay, les bian, bisexual and transgender community and organizational leaders agreed on gaps they desire the center to fill. In surveys, individuals and leaders asked that the Q Center provide services and activities for youth, seniors and families, with programs dedicated to HIV/AIDS prevention and testing, community celebration opportunities and a strong presence of art and culture. jn
