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Checking in
with Ted Wheeler
Is the Multnomah County chair honoring his commitment?
by Julie Sabatier
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about his commitment to queer rights,
promising to stand up for equality at
the state and county level. Now that
he’s been in office for about eight
months, Just Out thought it was time
to assess whether he is walking his talk.
Wheeler was a visible presence at
the Portland Pride parade and the Red
Dress Party, and he voiced his support
Barbara Wilier (left) is the PRISM liaison for Multnomah
for House Bill 2007 and Senate Bill 2,
County Chair Ted Wheeler.
saying he wanted to hold hearings on
the statewide legislation in Multnomah County.
lesbian families and their children,” said Adams, who
Leaders at Basic Rights Oregon, who endorsed Linn,
stressed that his comments were made to encourage
declined Wheelers offer.
rather than criticize Wheeler.
“We felt it was important to keep our volun
Wheeler himself was not available to comment
teers focused on talking with key swing legislators,
on this specific point by press time. His deputy
all of whom were from districts outside Multnomah
chief operating officer, Barbara Wilier, had this to
County,” BRO’s Melissa Chernaik explained. “We
say: “We really haven’t had that discussion with
are really looking forward to working with Chair
our board at this point."
Wheeler to make sure folks in Multnomah County
Wilier, a lesbian, also serves as Wheeler’s liaison
are educated about why it’s important to vote yes
to Pride Respect and Integrity for Sexual Minorities
on the referendum, should they be on the ballot in
(PRISM), a Multnomah County employee network
November 2008.”
group.
Wheeler indicated that he’s open to supporting
Within the larger queer population, there are
BRO in whatever way makes the most sense,
special needs groups like queer seniors, served by
although both he and the nonprofit were vague
organizations like Senior Housing and Retirement
about what an effective educational campaign
Enterprises and the Elder Resource Alliance, which
would entail.
is a part of the Friendly House senior program.
Kendall Clawson was a bit more forthcoming
Neither organization receives any direct county
about her hopes for the future. A transplant from
funding at this point.
Massachusetts, she took over as executive director
“We would love for Elder Resource Alliance to
for Q Center m June. The year-old community
be funded...but we’ve heard over and over again
center does nor receive any county funding.
that isn’t going to happen,” said Friendly House
“We’ve been talking for a little while now about
executive director Vaune Albanese.
the whole concept of a larger space for Q Center that
Wilier said: “It sounds like they need to have
has a joint tenancy with other queer organizations
a conversation with our program staff. We have
and businesses can collaborate with one another and
a process for all our funding. They know that.”
perhaps have some sort of cornerstone business that
On the other end of the human spectrum is the
can help support queer issues and activities," she
Sexual Minority Youth Resource Center and
explained. “Would they have a willingness to join in
Outside In, both of which praised Wheeler for his
and participate in finding a building for us so that we
commitment to queer youth.
don’t have to do a massive capital campaign?”
“He really gets it,” said Outside In executive
The answer from Wheeler is a resounding and
director Kathy Oliver. “Of course, I wish there were
enthusiastic “maybe.”
dedicated funds specifically for GLBTQ homeless
“I love the Q Center,” he said. “At this time,
youth.”
the Q Center is not directly engaged in the deliv
Wheeler said that he would like to have more
ery of social services, but if they decided to kxik in
information about the specific funding needs of the
that direction as part of their new vision, I think
young and queer homeless population but that
there would be more opportunities for direct
there might be opportunities to partner with the
county support.”
city of Portland to provide financial resources.
Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams also
Although Wheeler’s openness to ideas from the
had some practical advice about how best to queer community is commendable, it is worth noting
support the sexual minorities community at the
that he didn’t exactly begin this dialogue himself.
county level. He suggested Wheeler emulate his
“I would encourage him if he really wants to do
Equal Benefits Ordinance, which requires all con this, rather than doing it through a newspaper
tractors who deal with the city to offer the same
article, to invite a core group of queer leaders to
benefits to domestic partners as they do to spouses.
come together and let’s hammer out a plan and set
“1 think that is the most tangible and doable
a deadline for ourselves so we don’t talk it to
reform that would provide real support for gay and
death,” said Clawson.