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Continued from Page 27
Continued from Page 27
“The must significant story
I can tell about a holiday expe
rience is the year that we start
ed the Bears Holiday Show.
“It had been a dream of our
founder, R.B. Hiatt. We had
a short period of time to put it
on, and I turned to some
recommended contacts in the
gay community — Rose
Emperor XX Babalou and
Laurel Hurst—and together
we brainstormed.
“It was incredible that in
a short period of time we put a lot of imagination to work. The num
ber of people from the community that came out to support the show
was mind-blowing.
“Darcelle was very generous in opening her club to a cross section
of the leather community, the court community, the bears—just about
every comer of the community that you can imagine. We really did
represent the GLBT alphabet.
“It was so much fun, but as a result we raised an outstanding
amount of money. The fun was first, and the fund raising followed.”
D oug W atson
Oregon Bears founding member
“The Christmas holiday
I have the least memory of
was last year. I had surgery on
Dec. 18 and was in the hospi
tal for the holidays. It was
a combination of pain and
pain medication.
“My memory is from
when 1 was 6 years old. My
mom, God bless her, was
very frugal, and she insisted
on using the Christmas
lights that she got from her
aunt. We had to be very
careful putting them on the tree because they would short out. After
a number of Christmases of having to get them just right for the
lights to turn on, the lights had had enough of doing their job, and
on Christmas Eve they just started smoking.
“My dad, ever quick-thinking, dragged the smoking tree in the
front yard. We all gathered around the Christmas tree, which was
somewhat blackened, in the front yard. 1 can only imagine what the
neighbors thought.”
S am A dams
Portland city commissioner and 2008 mayoral candidate
2008 GAY/LESBIAN
HISTORY CALENDAR
For those who are looking for something more
spiritually oriented this holiday season, why not
spend a Sunday aftemixm at a Hanukkah party
and potluck hosted by members of the gay Jewish
group Keshet.7 (Keshet means “rainbow” in
Hebrew.) There will be latkes and applesauce
starting at 5 p.m. Dec. 9, the sixth night of
Hanukkah.
The event is free, and Keshet steering
committee member Mike Winer says, “We’re
asking that people bring an alcoholic beverage
of their choice, a white elephant gift for the gift
Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center hosts community events to celebrate
exchange and a vegetarian dish to share.”
Kawanzaa with ceremonies, a marketplace and a gallery exhibit.
Winer also encourages people to attend the
group’s monthly meetings. “It’s an opportunity for people who iden
Speaking of inspiring the community, nothing brings people
tify as Jewish and queer to socialize, to build connections,” he said.
together like a good cause. Just Out is giving back this year with
Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center will host some commu
a winter food drive to benefit Esther’s Pantry. The ftxxl drive will
nity events to celebrate Kwanzaa. A Kwanzaa marketplace will
continue through the end of January.
feature jewelry, handmade notecards and journals, textiles, dolls,
Those wishing to donate are encouraged to drop off items at rhe
Kinara candle holders and other items made by artisans from Just Out office, 6234 N. Greeley Ave. More than $900 has already
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 30.
been donated, and the money is being set aside for purchase of fresh
The center will also have a Kwanzaa-themed gallery exhibit
food items that are not usually available at food banks. Check Just
showing throughout the month of December. Seven area artists will
Out and the blog at www.justout.com for locations and dates of
each create an altar highlighting a different principle of Kwanzaa.
other events where food drops will be available.
The center will celebrate Kujichagulia (the principle of self-
Once you’ve done your charitable giving, you might be looking
determination) with a candle-lighting ceremony Dec. 27, the
to pick up a few items for those near and dear to you. Why not sup
second night of Kwanzaa. The gallery exhibit will also feature live
port Portland artists at the same time.7 A group of women is having
performances by poets and drummers as well as refreshments
an art show/sale from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
provided by the National Forum for Black Administrators.
Dec. 8 and from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 9 at Celia Lyons’ Nova Luna
“It is a traditional African-American celebration, but it’s open
Arts studio, 3520 S.E. Division St. It’s adjacent to Haven Coffee,
to all," said the center’s managing director, Kimberly Howard.
and Lyons will have a sign outside so you can easily find the spot.
“Kwanzaa is really a celebration about empowering a community,
Lyons, a lesbian artist and community supporter, will be selling
and 1 think any community can be inspired by that.”
her gemstone beaded jewelry and fused glass art alongside
photographer Lorraine Stratton, who will
have several prints available. Painter Margaret
Sheilds will also be selling some of her
abstract, organic work in oils and acrylics, and
Carla Mortensen will have crocheted and knit
scarves and hats for everyone on your list.
According to Lyons, the prices range from
$10 to $500. “It's a great way to do your
holiday shopping and support local art,” she
said. Be sure to bring checks and cash, and feel
free to call Lyons with any questions at
503-260-6231.
Two more opportunities to purchase local
arts and crafts are the Rebel Rabbit Holiday
Craft Fair from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16
at Hipbone Studio, 1847 E. Bumside St., and
the Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal
Holiday Sale from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 16
at Norse Hall, 111 N.E. 11th Ave. ©
Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Holiday Sale happens Dec. 16 at Norse Hall.
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