Just out., April 20, 2007, Page 21, Image 21

WILD, WILD UFE
If one lesbian can change the world, then a cou­
“We’re saying obviously we’re part of the natural
world and there are ways to interact with it that are
ple of lesbians can save it. The recently engaged
not degrading where we can economically prosper
Analisa Gunnell and Elie McKay both work at
as well,” Gunnell says.
Ecotrust, a conservation organization working to
McKay adds, “You can declare yourself a Salmon
strengthen communities and the environment from
Nation citizen to say, ‘Hey, I live here and I’m a part
Alaska to California.
of this and I’m a conscious citizen that lives in a beau­
Gunnell is the chief cartographer and geograph­
ic information system analyst at Ecotrust. Having
tiful place that’s rich on a variety of levels that needs
to be valued.’ ”
fallen in love with the trees and ecosystems of
For this couple, caring for the earth and being
Portland forests, she moved here 15 years ago for its
queer are not mutually exclusive traits. “1 grew up
“hippie holy grail environmentalist and anti-war
sensitive to the harms that exist to the environ­
leftist politics." As a development coordinator,
ment, people and animals,” says McKay. “I feel
McKay uses her experience at Lewis (Si Clark Law
they’re all interconnected because they’re all being
School's Pacific Environmental Advocacy Center
oppressed. Being part of the solution makes me
to assist Ecotrust leaders in grant research.
a happier person and helps me sleep at night."
Both women were attracted to the work of
Gunnell says she believes people have an obliga­
Ecotrust’s Salmon Nation because of its tenets of
tion to themselves and others to treat the earth with
economy, ecology and equity. Salmon Nation refers
respect. “I feel that there will be a time for equality
movement are so much about changing people’s
to the community of tribes, fishermen, farmers,
and acceptance when people will kx>k back and say,
attitudes and our own perspectives,” she says.
ranchers, loggers and urban dwellers working
‘Wow, we changed our Constitution because we were
She and Gunnell say you don’t have to work for
CALL THE ENERGY TRUCT OF
together to improve their neighborhoods and
full of fear and hate.’ We will think back and not
an environmental agency to make a difference. They
OREGON AT 866ENTRUCT JO
watersheds whose geographic boundaries include
believe we dumped waste in a river we drink from."
suggest people read The Ecology of Commerce, Natural
ACK FOR A FREE ENERGY
Though McKay says everyone should be
Capitalism and From Cradle to Grave and really think
AUDIT THEY OFFER REBATEC
“Historically salmon were not only important to
concerned about the environment because every­
about how we make things. Locally, the couple refer
FOR INCTALLING INGULATION,
other wildlife but also to native communities," says
one is affected, she believes the sexual minorities
to the Redirect Guide, Portland green maps, Free
WHICH WILL LOWER YOUR
Gunnell. “They’re a symbol of the environmental
community is much more familiar with being
Geek, the Rebuilding Center and Ecotrust’s calendar
HEATING BILLC AND IMPROVE
and social wealth in this region.”
disempowered and should more readily identify
of green events (www.ecotrust.org ) as gixxl sources
THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME.
Gunnell and McKay are not your traditional
when other entities face degradation, such as
for compassionate queers.
environmentalists, often depicted as extremists who
wildlife or the air we breathe and food we eat. “For
think the natural world should be left untouched.
me, the environmental movement and queer rights
anywhere Pacific salmon have ever run.
TIP #2: COWSERVE ENERGY
Continued on Page 23
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Analisa Gunnell (left), Elie McKay and their dog, Kaia, flank one of Ecotrust’s informative maps.
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