just out A Decade with Just Out J NEWSMAGAZINE VOL. 23 NO. 8 FEBRUARY 17, 2006 What a long, strange journey it's been his issue of Just Out marks a quiet personal anniversary for me. created in districts such as Mississippi, Alberta and now hopefully Killingsworth. “Reflections,” located directly below this column, features a hack • Nonprofits and community organizations receive greater support. Look issue from 10 years ago. As 1 read through the pages, choosing items through the pages of Just Out to see who supports our community groups and to highlight, I noticed also that this was the first issue where my own organizations. It’s local business owners, the same people over and over step­ name showed up in the staff box. Without even noticing it myself, ping up to the plate to support community. Support them back. T my 10th anniversary with this paper quietly came and went. Ten years ago at Just Out, I was the newest saleswoman to join the staff. 1 worked part-time from my home and quickly and quietly had vowed never • Environmental impact is reduced. Walk to your neighborhood shops. Participate in local beautification projects. Strong neighborhoods have lower crime and vandalism. to become emotionally involved with this strange entity to which I’d some­ how become attached. Thus was the beginning of a long, strange journey— are vested in the results. • LtKal business owners invest in the community, invest in themselves and invest in you. remain, very emotionally involved indeed. During the seven-plus years that I’ve been writing this column, I seem to revisit several common themes. On a regular basis 1 provide informational Benjamin, 22, is one of the sex workers Just Out interviewed for a report about queer prostitution. • Customer service is better. When you’re the owner, you care more. You one not yet ended, mind you—that led to my current status as publisher and owner of Just Out. And with broken vows lying all about, 1 became, and ON THE COVER • Locally owned businesses break out of the strip-mall big-box mold. Small-business owners can provide competitive prices and almost always supe­ rior service. FEATURE 22 TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS A glimpse into Portland’s thriving queer sex industry overload, smattering you all with unrequested personal disclosures of dating As I start my second 10, 15, who-knows-how-many years at Just Out, disasters, weight issues and bad hair. I annoy Basic Rights Oregon (inadver­ I again make quiet vows. No more dating columns, no more exposés on bad NEWS tently, of course), make political predictions that I truly believe viable (they hair. I will try to play nice with all the other kids but make no actual promis­ 7-17 NORTHWEST seldom are), display a total lack of feminist sensitivity and perception (is that es about anything except to Think Local First. a bad thing?) and hammer over and over the message that a strong community is built on the foundation of supporting local merchants, business owners, neighbors and friends. Through the years I’ve stumbled, I’ve grown, I’ve faltered, I’ve learned, and M ark your calendars, please, for Feb. 20. It’s time for Gay Skate Night! Join us from 7 to 9 p.m. at Oaks Park. Portland State University Queers and Allies are coming to join us, and they bring promise of a memorable evening. I’ve developed and strengthened a core value system for this paper and for myself. Hopefully we’ll all make it through the evening with no broken bones, and A constant belief of mine is the need for us all to build and grow strong local you’ll all leave with nothing more than memories of a great time. Just remem­ communities. These beliefs strongly mirror and reflect those of the Sustainable ber, pleaSt, that speed skating is for the Olympics. The most dangerous thing Business Network of Portland, which I’m happy finally to have joined. that 1 ever want to see at Gay Skate Night is fellas daring to wear those tight Recently I sat down with organization coordinator Robyn Shanti, who little skating pants. explained to me that the network is “a nonprofit business alliance of local­ ly owned independent businesses, community organizations and individuals/ customers committed to building a more socially, environmentally and I would be remiss in my duties if 1 didn’t remind you that a visit to www.justoutpersonals.com will find more than 400 profiles of area singles look­ financially sustainable local economy.” The hallmark of the organization is ing for dates, love, romance and whatever. We have postings from across the the Think Local First campaign. Why shop local? Here are just a few of the state, and I’m kxiking forward to expanding further into the Seattle, Eugene, benefits of buying goods and services at locally owned businesses: Salem and Corvallis areas. Folks, it’s the Internet; there are no geographical • More dollars are recirculated locally. Revenues generated are not pack­ aged up and shipped out of state. boundaries. If you’re kxjking to bring new people into your life, check us out. Remember, it’s a free service; all we ask in return is that you Think LtKal First. • More local jobs are created. According to Shanti, Portland has more small businesses than any other comparable city. Small-business owners pro­ vide the bulk of jobs. Just Out is an example, providing full-time employment with benefits for nine employees. • Unique neighborhoods are preserved and enhanced. Look at the energy inally, I’m working on adding a publishers blog to www.justout.com. As a F tag-on to “Page 3,” it will allow dialogue and conversation among ourselves about riveting topics of the day. I’m looking forward to talking with you all. How about that last epistxle of The L Word, anyway? Election news: Sten vs. Burdick, Saltzman vs. Fritz; Mandy Carter interviewed; MRG grantees announced; Rainbow Preschool taking applications for fall; welcome to the new Scandals; Our House of Portland’s annual “For Love and Money” dinner; Genderblendz open house schedule for February; kKal HIV/AIDS leaders speak out against Bush budget; Portland PFLAG news; SMYRC supporters share f