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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (May 18, 2007)
just out by Marty Davis J A Beautiful Day ^NEWSMAGAZINE VOL. 24 NO. 14 MAY 18, 2007 Governor signs bills legalizing domestic partnerships, banning discrimination ay 9 was one of those often-too-rare, stunningly beautiful spring days in Salem. This history-making morning was adorned with deep, crisp, blue skies, with only a soft and occasional white cloud drifting through. The bright blues of the Oregon state flag flew sharply and energetically in the morning sky, providing a duo of contrasting shades of azure. As the bill-signing ceremonies began, the sun rose over the Capitol, bathing the gathered spectators in warmth and good will. To add to the splendor of the morning, not so much as a single protester appeared to mar the moment. No buses of Slavic youth, no pious churchgoers, no protest signs—not a single person appeared to dampen the moment. It couldn’t have been better. Gathered together on the westside steps of the Capitol was a veritable living encyclopedia of gay and lesbian history in Oregon. Together again, for this day, were men and women representing more than 30 years of political activism and history. Don Powell, Steve Fulmer, Fred Neal and Terry Bean were all able to bear witness to decades of lobbying before one state legislative session after another, extolling our elected leaders to simply do the right thing. I have no doubt that each of them was giving thought to others who had also labored hard and long but whose own battles had ended before this day finally appeared. 1 myself thought of the good work of Bill and Ann Shepherd and wished that V • • . - J'J1 they could have lived to see this day. Their memory and their endeavors were kept alive by the presence of their PFLAG co-founders, Chuck and Rita Knapp. The Knapps, accompanied by their daughter Kristan and her partner, Janna Macauslan, are to be hon ored and thanked for their years of service and dedica tion to our community. Gail Shibley and George Eighmey sightings brought to mind the days bump-inducing version of “America the Beautiful.” when we were represented by five openly gay men And then the party began. Hellos, goodbyes and and women in the state Legislature. Today, Tina hugs around. Cupcakes and cider. It was a very gixxl Kotek sets a high standard of visibility and activism day. within the Capitol halls. In the next election cycle, It would be ideal to say that the story ends here we must strive to send another of us to share her in Salem on a warm spring morning when, for ever load. Strength in numbers! so briefly, all looks well with the world. Assembled on the Capitol steps, facing a large and But, as we now know, this is not the way it will cheering crowd, Gov. Ted Kulongoski was jubilant as be. Earlier this week a new coalition formed to he prepared to sign Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 2007. challenge SB 2 and HB 2007. His broad smiles were exceeded only by those of for Opponents of the laws have formed a political mer Gov. Barbara Roberts, who declared that this day action committee called "Defense of Marriage and was one of the proudest moments of her life. Family AGAIN!” and filed their intent to seek Gathered around the signing table was a who’s who of a referendum with the secretary of state. Marylin Oregon politics. Present were Attorney General Shannon of Brooks, a former Republican state Hardy Myers, Treasurer Randall Edwards, Secretary of senator, apparently heads the group. It draws State Bill Bradbury and a multitude of state senators support from members of Slavic churches; Restore and representatives. Members of the Governor’s Task America, a Lake Oswego-based organization that Force on Equality stixxl together. Let’s not forget their encourages evangelical Christians to vote; and the role in bringing honorable and decent recommenda Constitution Party of Oregon. tions back to the governor. It is not yet known what, if any, role the lead First came the speeches,'each brief yet meaning supporters of Ballot Measure 36 will play in the ful. The governor hugged his colleagues, and the steps attempts to challenge the new laws. What we do echoed with applause. Then the moment came for know is that with a strong organization in place, the actually signing. The table was ringed with cere collecting the needed 55,000-plus signatures will monial pens, each with an engraved wtxxlen case. not prove to be difficult. And there can be no deny Each pen scribed a few letters and was then handed ing that if everyone who voted yes on 36 votes the off with smiles and handshakes. Receiving the pens same way again, our newly won rights will be strick were Roberts, Bean, Powell, Kate Brown, House en from us before they’re ever put into place. Speaker Jeff Merk ley and Basic Rights Oregon’s new So while we briefly bask in the glory of that executive director, John Hummel. warm Salem morning, we must do it with the The official part of the ceremony closed with knowledge that, once again, a great challenge lies the Portland Gay Men's Chorus offering a goose ahead of us. ON THE COVER Jack Smith and the Destruction of Atlantis— a memorable biography of a genius who was queer in more ways than one—screens June 2 at QDOC: Portland Queer Documentary Film Festival, the first of its kind in the country. FEATURE 22 SOUTHERN COMFORT Oregon Shakespeare Festival hires new out and proud artistic director NEWS 8-14 NORTHWEST Queer literature financed; school tackles queer health education; theater group receives NEA grant; pro-choice comedian entertains at Darcelle’s; trans activist imparts experience; HIV Day Center celebrates 18 years 18-19 NATIONAL Half of Americans protected from anti-gay discrimination; California Name Equality Act passes Assembly; trans president elected to SF police commission; Colorado Legislature passes nondiscrimination bill; 20-21 WORLD Gaydar founder jumped to death while on drugs; BP CEO outed, resigns; Jerusalem bomb seen as warning to gays; Singaporean former PM against criminalizing gay sex; Thai gays seek constitutional protection ARTS AND CULTURE 15 BOOKS Author deconstructs “the stigma of effeminacy” 39 SPORTS Rose City Softball Association sees a record increase in new members 41-43 FILM Cillian Murphy smartly picks award winning The Wind That Shakes the Barley instead of execrable sequel 28 Weeks Later; Portland makes history with the country’s first queer documentary film festival 44 NIGHTLIFE Sometimes a hangover is worth it COLUMNS 16 DEAR ETHEL Eyeing the Prize 31 EPIQUEEREAN Where to Get Your “Oohs” and “Ahhs" 35 MS. BEHAVIOR Expiration Date 36 OUT GOING Funny Honey 37 OUT OF MY MIND Grief Revisited 46 JIM'S CLOSET Queen of the Desert
