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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 5, 2005)
_________________________________________________ august 5. 2005 » j—t ADVICE ..................▼.................. Nichiren Buddhist Temple of Portland offers University Park United Methodist Church is Ainsworth United Church of Christ is a several weekly gathenngs Everyone welcome1 (10 am Sunday. 7.30 am Tuesday and Thursday 730 pm Wednesday meditation 2025 SE Yamhill St. 503-232-8064 www nichiren-shu org/portland) 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.) Life's a beach multicultural, multiracial, open and affirming, just peace congregation (2941 NE Ainsworth St 503 284 8767.) Peace Church of the Brethren is a welcoming congregation (11 am Sunday 12727 SE Market St 5032546380) Waverly Heights United Church of Christ is Anawim Community of gay men meets weekly for Chnstian meditation and prayer (7 30 pm Thursday 503-281-0722.) Should I bring my boyfriend along for this year’s family vacation? 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) S I* I K IT U A LIT Y Metro: Spirituality Atkinson Memorial Church, a Umtanan Umversalist church, provides a spiritual home for those looking for a liberal-minded, supportive and canng congregation in Oregon City (10:30 am Sunday 710 Sixth St. 503-656 7296 ) 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 bhdgeportucc. org.) Community of Welcoming Congregations an interfaith ministry of spiritual congregations in Oregon and Southwest Washington that welcome and affirm people of all sexual orientations, provides pastoral care, advocacy, education and consultation. (503-665-8741. 2025 NE 23rd St.. Gresham. Mailing address: PO Box 14948. Portland. OP 97293 www. weleomingcongregations org.) Congregation P'nai Or (Faces of Light) is a vibrant, egalitarian, Jewish Renewal congregation in Portland Meets several times a month at St Mark Presbyterian Church (9750 SW Terwilliger Blvd 503-248 4500. www.pnaiorpdx org.) Eastrose Fellowship Unitarian Universalist a welcoming congregation, offers Sunday service and children s religious education (10:30 am 1133NE 181st Ave.. Gresham 503-665 2628 officeQeastrose org. www eastrose org.) Eckankar—Religion of the Light and Sound of God holds worship services and maintains a library of matenals. Learn how you can work daily with the Divine Spint in your own life. (10 am Sunday. 7904 SE Milwaukie Ave. 503-233 1595 www eckankar org.) 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 Friends Coffeehouse. 201 SE 12th Ave (503 235-0826 otterQpcez.com.) Rose City Park Presbyterian Church a member of the Community of Welcoming Congregations and the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, 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.) Seventh-Day Adventist Kinship is a support organization for former and current Adventists who are queer as well as their family and fnends. (PO Box 49375. Sarasota. FL 34230-6375 866- 732-5677. officeQsdakinship org www. sdakinship. org.) Soka Gakkai International a huge world peace Buddhist organization, holds monthly Rainbow Group meetings to talk about Buddhism and where queers can become familiar with a philosophy that has always had a place for everyone (1805 SE Ankeny St. 503 230-1038 sgi-usa oregon.org.) Southminster Presbyterian Church is an 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 mam worship service. 12250 SW Denney Road. Beaverton. 503-644-2073. staffQsouthmin. com. www southmin.com.) Elevation, a gay Chnstian rock band, invites you to join us for energetic, inspmng jams and powerful, spintual messages at Metropolitan Community Church of Portland (6 pm Sunday 2400 NE Broadway 503-281 -8868) 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 ) Enneagram Community of Portland offers newly developing group connecting ancient traditions and future visions to manifest liberty, peace and justice Now meeting for discussion, study and meditation. (Sarah 503 757-7545 www. stbrigidcac co. nr.) 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. (1030 am Sunday. 494 E Mam St. 503-648-4341 www hillsboro-ucc org.) First Unitarian Church of Portland is an open and affirming liberal religious community offenng 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. brucepdxorQcomcast 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. 391OSE 11th Ave 503 233 2026. ext 3 www.interfaithspintualcenter.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 5036990473 www komoniacommunity org) Metanoia Peace Community United Methodist Church is a 'house church* that bnngs 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 ) St. Brigid Celtic Anabaptist Community is a St. James Lutheran Church, a Reconciled in 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 st/ameslutheranportland org) St. Stephen's Episcopal Church has been welcoming all people since 1863 (12:10 pm Wednesday and 7.45 and 10 am Sunday Sunday school and child care at 10 am. 1432 SW 13th Ave 503-2236424) SisterSpirit offers women's spirituality 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 503-7363297 sisterspQteleport com.) Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Washington County is an open and affirming liberal religious community offenng 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.) YOUTH Metro: Youth Network (GL8EN) 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. glaenQgisenoregon.org. wwwgleenofegon.org.) * Outside In operates a clinic for anyone who can't qualify for the Oregon Health Plan as well as needle 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 al ages (10 am-6 pm Monday-Friday 1132 SW 13th Ave. 503 535 3800 www .outsidein .org) Pride Project brings together Washington County queer and questioning youth to plan and attend monthly social events Also information, referral and advocacy services in Washington County. (Mo//y 503 260-5792 moHyQpndeprofectorg) O_____ ------------------ Vnsrfls --------------------------**------- * ~ (8MYRC) offers support, recreation, counseling and referral to gay. lesbian bi and trans kids 23 and 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 pastorQwaveriyucc.org. www waveriyucc.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 spiritual growth living by Unitarian Universalist principles (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, bi. trans and heterosexual people who wish to worship in a Christ-centered, warm, caring, multiage/race/cultural faith community (11 am Sunday 110 30 am summer) 2025 NE 23rd Ave.. Gresham 503-665 8741.) Central Oregon: Spirituality United Church of Christ Congregational is an open and affirming congregation in The Dalles (9 20 am adult Sunday school. 10:30 am worship 1930am summer) 111 EFifth St. 541 296 2909 ucccongIQnetcnct. net www forministry. com/usorucofcucocc.) Washington: Spirituality Abundant Life Center assists the community in spiritual growth. (10 am Sunday. Ill W 39th St.. Vancouver. The Rev Kathleen Verigin 360-573-2626 www abundant-life-center org ) First Congregational United Church of Christ has been an open and affirming 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 360-425 4927.) Metropolitan Church of the Gentle Shepherd welcomes you. Bible study follows morning worship. (10:30 am and 630 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 Manon St NE. Salem 5033633660) Metropolitan Community Church Two Rivers is a Chnstian church with primary outreach in the sexual minorities community (6 30 pm Sunday 1166 Oak St , Eugene.) younger. Drop-in computer access, pool tables and an informal place to hang out. Weekly trans, leadership and art support group meetings. (4-9 pm Wednesday, 4-11 pm Friday. 2100 SE Belmont St. 503-872 9664. www smyrc.org.) Eastern Oregon: Youth Living offers support and advocacy to gay, lesbian, - bi, trans and questioning youth in Eastern Oregon. (1021 SW Fifth Ave.. Ontario. 541-889-3119 or 866 248 8369 eocHQeocil org www.eocH.org.) Washington: Youth Triple Point offers education, support and advocacy to gay. lesbian, bi. trans and questioning youth in Vancouver Meets every Tuesday m the basement of Youth House <6 fl pm. 1112 Columbia St John 360-695 1325 ) Willamette Valley: Youth Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender and Questioning Youth Group for ages 13 to 18 offers support, information and fun in Eugene Free, confidential, adult facilitated. (Drop in 4-6 pm Friday Amazon Community Center. 2700 HHyard St 541684-3466 ) D ear M s . B ehavior : who are 5 and 11. Every year my family Unfortunately, we goes on a weeklong live in a fairly vacation to the beach. traditional area, By family 1 mean my and we don’t know mom, my brother, my other gay families. sister-in-law and their Our older son, kids (ages 10 to 13). Jack, seems totally When I was married, I comfortable with came with my wife and us and loves our our two kids (now 4 family, except and 7 years old). Two when he’s angry or years ago, 1 came out of acting out. Ms. Behavior the closet and got a But sometimes, divorce. when Jack is in a by Meryl Cohn This year, I decided bad mood, he talks to invite my boyfriend. about how We’ve dated on and off since my embarrassing it is to have lesbian divorce. Before inviting him, I forgot parents and how he can’t have to mention it to my family. My friends come over after school. Jack says he thinks being gay Ts “sick.” brother is ultraconservative and not crazy about my gayness, but I get When he’s angry, he calls me “gay along well with my sister-in-law, so 1 lord.” approached her about bringing my Jack has obviously begun to significant other to the beach. absorb some of the homophobia Her reply was: “David, this has around him and the idea that gay always been a FAMILY people are inferior. Should we VACATION. If your relationship confront his beliefs and try to with your boyfriend is stable enough convince him otherwise? Or should that you consider him ‘family,’ 1 can we simply live our lives and have sit my kids down and explain to faith that he’ll ultimately reject such them why Uncle Dave is bringing attitudes because they go against his family experience? his friend and why they are going to be together at the end of the day. —Lesbian Mom But if you don’t think your relationship with your boyfriend is D ear L esbian M om : that stable, then 1 don’t think it’s fair You’re not going to be able to to put our kids through this.” reform Jack’s feelings or attitudes by I agree with her to some degree; convincing him that being gay is after all, we all paid for the house A-OK. But maybe you can arrange and should feel comfortable in it. My to have Jack talk with a neutral boyfriend, however, thinks she’s full trusted adult (e.g., a liberal straight of crap, hiding her prejudice behind aunt or a guidance counselor). her kids’ masks. A more distant confidante may give —David him an outlet to explore the complexities of growing up in a D ear D avid : family that’s different, without Your boyfriend is right: What sort needing to be oppositional. of torture would your sister-in-law be Since you live in a “traditional” “putting the kids through” by area, it may help to find other gay explaining to them that you’re gay? and lesbian families and spend time She wants confirmation that your with them. Search (or advertise in) relationship is “stable” before you’re nearby gay and lesbian publications; allowed to bring your boyfriend; by for instance, you could join or “stabled’ perhaps your sister-in-law organize a monthly family picnic or really means permanent. recreational group. Make a point of But would a heterosexual family taking your family out of your member be questioned about the hometown to places that are teeming stability of his or her relationship with gay families. Try vacationing on and held to that same stringent queer cruises or at gay and lesbian standard? Would bringing your resorts, and check out Family Week boyfriend really expose your sister-in- in Provincetown law’s kids to hideous trauma that (www.familypride.org). Jack needs to could only be tempered by a be in regular contact with other gay marriage oath that looks exactly like families, so he doesn’t feel isolated in hers? It doesn’t sound as though his lesbian-mom experience. you’ve brought a confusing parade of If Jack still grows up to become a men to dozens of family events and ball-busting anti-gay Republican, asked your nieces and nephews to please know that you did your best call each of them “Uncle.” and that it’s not your fault. (That’s Besides, your family may not what the ball-busting anti-gay realize it, but kids who are 10 to 13 Republicans tell themselves when are most likely astute enough to their children turn into sweet, open- realize Uncle Dave is gay, whether or minded homos. ) jn not their parents sit them down and chat with them about it. M eryl C ohn is the author of Do What 1 Say: Ms. Behavior’s Guide to D ear M s . B ehavior : Gay and Lesbian Etiquette. Send -My partner and 1 have two sons, questions to msbehavu rt@aol com.
