_________________________ 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.”