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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (July 18, 2008)
JULY 18, 2008 jUStOUt 5 outstanding just askin City Hall and Home Again Those drinking wine and eating crackers during the Just Out Amateur Photo Contest reception at Q Center were asked to complete the following sentence: Portland would be perfect except for... uestion: With Portland on the brink of crown ing a hard-working, vision-oriented gay mayor, who wouldn’t kill for a position on Sam Adams’ new staff? Answer: Jesse Beason, who will serve as the city commissioner’s senior policy director until July 31. Beason accepted the executive director position with Portland Community Land Trust, drawn by the opportuni ty to lead an organization with such a sharp focus. The trust helps first-time homebuyers by pairing them with homes selling below market value with the agreement that if they sell, it is for a similar price. The agency is about to celebrate its 100th homeowner. Beason, who purchased a home in 2005 with his partner, Jeff Gierer, described the experience as “transformative.” “I realized the power of that stability of having a home and what that really does for families, to make sure they not only get by, but get ahead,” said Beason, who uses his yard to garden and keep bees. Beason is proud of the work he’s accomplished in City Hall, such as spearheading an equal benefits ordinance in 2006 and helping raise the profile and conversation about the importance of making investments in the arts. II My name is Jesse Beason. N othing. 1 wouldn’t change a thing. 1 was born and raised here and haven’t found another city 1 would rather live in.” 1 am known for my boisterous laugh. My cause is doing right by my community. M ark H ecaté I am 27 years old. I feel about 32 years old because when 1 started this job at 24, people weren’t sure what to make of me, so I had to act a bit older. IT Director for Extensis Right now, I’m standing in my office in City Hall. My childhood ambition was being a doctor. My first gay crush was on Mr. Hay, from science camp. li-The fact that we’re sheltered » and isolated from the rest of the world. The racism discussion has not yet been had.” I like to spend my down time on my patio with a bourbon and ginger ale. S arah E llenwood Lewis & Clark Counseling Intern My proudest moment was catching our first swarm of bees. My biggest challenge is finding time for it all. A perfect day in Portland would be spent with coffee and breakfast in the garden, a bike ride with Jeff, happy hour with friends, a nice dinner out and a mellow party. M Rising rents.” A ndy B lubaugh Filmmaker My first job was cleaning kennels at Deer Creek Animal Hospital in Denver. My vice is really gotxl bourbon. My inspiration is [U.S. Rep.| Barbara Jordan [D-Texas], a black lesbian member of Congress in the 1970s who always advocated for the common good. The last queer or philanthropic event I participated in was the Basic Rights Oregon house party we threw in the spring. l,"The amount of gentrification— 1 how systematically people of color and poor people get pushed out of neighborhoods.” E rin A liperti Advocate Jesse Beason is leaving City Hall for Portland Community Land Trust, focusing on affordable homeownership. My highest hope for the cause is that we get there to gether, in sharing a desire to give back to our community. —Jaymee R. Cuti © Deborah Betron, CRB, GRI DON VALERIO, MD INTERNAL MEDICINE / PRIMARY CARE FANNO CREEK CLINIC 2400 SW VERMONT 503-452-0915 I’ABA Co-founder Deborah@BridgetownRealty.com 503.289.6446 503.287.9370 Scott Werner, GRI ScottW@BridgetownRealty.com 971.322.9399 503.287.9370 www.ScottWernerRealtor.cotn BRIDGETOWN r REALTY 1 Portland s Largest Gay Owned Real Estate Company Since 1979
