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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (June 1, 2007)
_________________________ JUNE 1.2007 jUStpUt) 7 outstanding Committed to Care s executive director of the Cancer Center at Providence Hospital, Calvin Harrison enjoys going to work every day because his administrative position complements his love for people. With the everlasting support of his partner, Harrison has found it possible to give his all to his position at Providence and still enjoy a balanced life. He is in charge of depart ments that provide direct care to patients with cancer and works with a research team seeking new treatments and possible cures. Harrison’s warm smile is a reminder to his staff that he is a trustworthy friend ded icated to helping others. A “I just moved here from West Virginia. It means to let people know there are people who understand them and accept them. That’s why I moved here.’’ I am known as a considerate and kind person. Most people find me to be approachable, for they know that I will listen to their stories. 1 make it a point to greet everyone with a smile. M ykey L opez Professional Dancer I am 53 years old. I feel no more than 40 years old because I stay in shape. My partner of 12 years, Cal Sims, and 1 enjoy spending our free time together at the gym. It is relaxing, and we maintain our health. “1 think it shows the importance of having diversity. It keeps the city open and accepting to new things.” Right now I am at home getting ready to go to the gym. My first same-sex crush was on Mike Kilbourne. It was in high school, and although he knew, we were never officially a couple. We didn’t pursue a relationship because there were, no role models for us to look up to in the early ’70s in rural Virginia. I like to spend my down time with my two 13-year-okl dogs, Maggie and Jass, and Cal, taking a walk or going on a hike. At home my 11- year-old cat, Jake, joins us. Cal and I enjoy having lunch together because we work very near to each other. Entertaining our friends at home is a favorite, and we love to travel. Our favorite spots to relax include Alaska, Southern California and the East Coast for family time. Just recently, in February, we got back from Costa Rica. I like to travel so much because 1 appreciate other cultures. We enjoy learning about them firsthand and hope to continue to do so. My proudest moment is hard to choose because there have been a lot of them. As a personal moment, 1 would say when my family accepted me for who 1 am and that I wanted to be with Cal. My biggest challenge is not disappointing people. When I make a commitment, 1 have to follow through. A perfect day in Portland would be when the sky is blue and the Just Out asked readers, "What does the Portland Pride 2007 theme, 'Keep Portland Queer,' mean to you?" L eah M ason Historical Restoiationist My name is Calvin Harrison. My childhood ambition was to be a veterinarian. Sadly, that dream was altered in college when 1 hxik biochemistry. 1 didn’t like it, and it didn’t like me. just asking Calvin Harrison is the kind face of Providence's Cancer Center. sun is out, between 65 and 70 degrees. 1 would spend it riding my bike or at least being outside as much as possible. My first job was as a sales clerk at a department store. 1 enjoyed that job because of the customers. 1 interacted with a lot of different kinds of people; in those few minutes of meeting they shared some personal stories. My vice is that 1 procrastinate. 1 overthink a situation because 1 need to find all the angles. If I am not sure that 1 have found them all, I won’t start my work. T om W interrowd Farmer “I think it’s more important to keep Portland weird. It includes everyone and makes for a creative, energetic town.” My inspiration is the dream to make life better for everyone close to me. The last queer event I participated in was with the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus. I serve on the board of directors and am president-elect of the chorus. 1 had the opportunity to go with the chorus to Orange County [Calif.] in March for an exchange concert. My highest hope is not much. 1 have sort of achieved that. 1 have made it to my highest career goal. Now all I know is that after 1 retire, I want to continue to volunteer and help community organizations that sh? e my values and beliefs. —Neethu Ramchandar D evin G rimes Freelance Bubble Blower “1 believe that ’queer’ is an umbrella term that includes everyone—even straight people—so it’s a beautiful term for uniqueness.”
