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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 5, 2007)
JANUARY 5. 2007 jUStlOUtj 5 outstanding just askin Beginning at the Center Free from the shackles of Multnomah County, what mountain should former Multnomah County Chair Diane Linn scale next? ot many 22-year-olds run com munity centers. This did not stop Gene de Haan from becoming Q Center’s coordinator and only full-time staff person last February. Almost a year later, she marvels at the changes already resulting from her work, both in the community and herself. “I’ve learned more in the past 11 months than I had any idea 1 would. And it’s a new organization, so everyone is figuring out ‘What is a queer center in Portland, and what does it look like?’ ” de Haan said. Having studied English at Reed College, she imagined she would have been in graduate school at this point in her life. “I’m glad I’ve taken the year to get more practical experi ence before going. 1 didn’t expect to be here, but it’s really taught me a lot.” On a typical day at Q Center, de Haan Gene de Haan looks to a bright future. attends meetings with volunteers, communi ty members and other organizations. She coordi animals. I’m taking pre-veterinary classes to see if nates programming events and handles the logistics 1 have the stomach for it,” she said. A fan of athlet of an office. She draws from her experiences volun ics, de Haan also has played rugby and started doing teering with different nonprofits, including the No triathlons last summer. on 36 campaign, the Trans/Identity Resource Though she is at the investigative stage of her Center and Reed’s Paradox Café, a nonprofit future career, de Haan has a clear vision for the community space she ran for two years. future of Portland’s queer community. "Portland When she isn’t working for the queer commu already has amazing, well-established, dynamic nity, she does volunteer work with animals. The queer communities. 1 feel like that’s just going to owner of a few strays, de Haan said her biggest grow—hopefully with more cross-pollination between groups that are already out there.” © passion is for animal rights and welfare. “1 am N kxiking to go to grad school in a field involving R ob N osse Union Activist S usan S toltenberg Portland Impact Executive Director “Maybe a bartender or a minister, because both are really gixxl at helping people with their problems.” T rinity W ilson Psychiatric Nurse “There are so many mountains that need her passion and wisdom. She won my heart when she championed for mental health issues.” “The one she’s most passionate about, which is related to children and education, truly closing the achievement gap and serving the needs of kids with the greatest obstacles to success.” D ick L evy First Registered Domestic Parmer in Portland “Any mountain she chixsses. I’d love to see her remain in public service, because she’s really a gem.” —Malka Geffert It’s Your Town, It’s Our Town. We’re Bridgetown. BRIDGETOWN F REALTY 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR! If your 2007 resolution includes buying or selling real estate, give us a call! 3320 NE Sa Blvd, Portland, Oregon, 97232V, 503.287.9370 bridgetownrealty.com
