OCTOBER S. 2007 lUStlOUt 7 outstandin just askin Bringing the Beats Now that it's officially fall, Just Out asked a few folks at Gay Skate Night, "What was the highlight of your summer?" ate “Kritik’’ Neal knows how to get ladies on the dance floor. This young spoken word artist relocated to Portland from Boise, Idaho, Bringing with her a unique brand of hip-hop. Neal seeks to raise awareness through her music and poetry, but she doesn’t just talk the talk. She brought her youth and enthusiasm to the “Idaho Votes No” campaign, attempting to stop voters from banning same-sex marriage in the spud state. Neal graduated from Boise State University earlier this year with a degree m English and a minor in theater. Near the end of the summer, she set off to Portland, where she is bound to make a splash. Sample some of Kritik s hip-hop stylings at wu'w.myspace.com/kritik 17. J immy J ohnson Hardworking Individual “Going to the beach. I went to Tillamook with [the Sexual Minority Youth Resource Center), and it was great to get away from Portland and away from the drama.” J essica N unes Restaurant Manager My name is Kate Neal, better known as Kritik. “We went to Michigan to see all our friends.” I am known as a white, female rapper of the lesbian persuasion. My cause is to raise awareness about social justice issues, the human rights movement and oppressed and marginalized groups. 1 am 22 years old. I feel older because many of my friends are older than 1 am. L avell A llen Reading Specialist Right now, I’m at Old Chicago on [Southeast 82nd Avenue]. I’m trying to bring it back and make it cool here. My childhood ambition was to be a musician or an actor or a clown. “The best thing was having . two months off work.” Did we mention Kate “Kritik" Neal is single? My first queer crush was on my sixth-grade teacher, Mrs. Kramez. My first job was working for a telemarketing firm in Boise called Sturner and Klein renewing magazine subscriptions. My vice is Texas Hold ’Em. I like to spend my down time writing, working on music, playing guitar. I also skateboard. My proudest moment was probably college graduation. My biggest challenge is trying to establish myself in the music industry the way that I want to. I don’t want to be pigeonholed for my sexuality. 1 want people to know me for having gixxl lyrics, a tight flow and gixxl beats. A perfect day in Portland would be spent on a hxize cruise. 1 love sailing. 1 dress up as a pirate every year for Halloween. A ron T ipton Image Consultant My inspiration is my aunt Amy. She has pretty much been the driving force and foundation for my entire life. She’s a high school English teacher in Tumwater, Wash. “I didn’t do anything fun this summer.” The last queer event I participated in was Vamp at Boxxes. My highest hope for the cause is to reach a lot more people. 1 think that 1 have the passion and the drive and charisma to be a leader in the human rights and gay and lesbian movements for my generation. © —Julie Sabatier FERTILITY CONSULTANTS Paula Amato, M.D. Physician & Surgeon, Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility 3303 SW Bond Ave., 10th floor, Portland, OR 97239-4501 clinic 503.418.3700 • fax 503.418.3708 • www.fertilityoregon.com 2410 SlilUthÀveniic» PortTdnd 5O3-23O-O737 • trtrtr.tragthedogdaycare.com LYDIA H. COLLINS, MD Gynecology Donor Insemination /-x Phone 503 274-9936 k k V__ 1040 N.W. 22nd, Suite 530, Portland, OR 97210_____ J