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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 20, 2009)
_____________________ FEBRUARY 20, 2009 ju Stout 3 iustiout ' newsmagazine VOL. 26 NO. 8 FEBRUARY 20, 2009 PAGE 14 Wanted: Strong Leadership J Sam Adams should denounce vandalism against this publication sorely in need of guidance and leadership. Trust needs to be rebuilt. Wariness needs to be resolved. Communication skills and tolerance were tossed hastily out the window this past month. So now what? Where do we go from here? ven before Sam Adams held a press conference and all hell broke loose at Just Out, 1 would almost daily spend a fair amount of time listening to readers’ complaints and concerns about one thing or another that didn’t sit well with them. For the past year, these conversations have often seemed to be exclusively about something written by the love-him-or-hate-him Stephen Marc Beaudoin. In the 10 years I have owned this paper, no one has tossed about the hearts and stomachs of readers as much as Stephen. And now, damn it, it’s time for him to move on. In his own words, here's Beaudoin: “1 am writing to let you know that I am moving on from my position here at Just Out and am moving on to some exciting new opportunities for me, personally and professionally. “I’m proud of my body of work from my 13 months with Just Out, especially my expanding coverage of politics (from state Sen. Gary George’s incredible interview- heard-round-the-world to our first-class primary and general election endorsement packages and Silverton’s Stu Rasmussen) and current events/breaking news, to arts journalism and criticism, nightlife and much more. I’m glad that some of this work landed in regional and national pub lications and on the Associated Press wire and that 1 was able to speak as a represen tative of the paper to other print and TV media outlets across the country. “More importantly, I’m proud of the important work this publication does and will continue to do and have been blessed to work with some amazing colleagues here in the office and across the city. I feel like 1 know at least half of queer Oregon now!” So there you have it. Beaudoin moves on. His missing voice will be a loss to this paper—a loss that, I’m happy to say, will be somewhat tempered by his continued presence in Just Out with his column, “Comer View.” So, detractors, he’s not gone completely. Fans, same story, he’s still going to have his say, just not as often. Stephen, while clashing routinely with me, is to be thanked for his pas sion and his commitment to Just Out. He helped bridge the gap between the Just Out of 1983, the Just Out of yesterday and the paper that we must change and grow to be successful today and tomorrow. What this also means is I now have a part-time staff writer position available at Just Out. In the time of disappearing newspaper jobs, this is a rare opportunity indeed. Now am I as hard to work with as you might have heard? Oh hell, yes. Maybe even more so. Understand also that, at any given time, half the community loves what we do and the other half hates us. Just remember, our job is to report, write and issue opinion, not make friends. Will this be demanding work? Of course. It will be demanding, rewarding and as meaningful as hell. If you are an experienced journalist with a keen interest in the news, politics and culture of Portland’s gay, lesbian, bi and trans community, send me an e-mail at marty@justout.com. FREE like one. We all know the mayor is only concentrating on city business these days. Well, Sam, this is city business. I am a business owner in the city that elected you, and I’ve got a problem that requires your missing leadership. Speak to the issue of free speech, Sam. Talk about the value of honoring diversity of opinion. Be forceful and show that you absolutely do not accept or condone the theft and destruction of the property of this publication. Call your sup porters off, Sam, because if you don’t, well, what will that say about you and your leadership? And lest there be those detractors who quickly jump up to say that I’m managing to make this all about Just Out, I’ll respond with, “No, I’m not.” I, maybe as much as anyone in this community, am keenly aware of the multitude of pain, grief and frustration in our community now. We are et’s close with an ode to laughter. I’d like to send someone to see Kathy Griffin on March 4. Bring in a donation of f<xxl for Esther’s Pantry to 6234 N. Greeley Ave. and you’re entered to win a pair of tickets. Just Out is accepting donations through March I. The winner will be notified that evening. Griffin is damn funny. You know you want to go, so let’s make it happen. We could all use a good laugh about now. FEATURE 14 DRIVEN TO DRINK Homophobia and other cultural factors leave queers predisposed to addiction NEWS 6-7 COMINGS AND GOINGS Lobby Day in Salem on March 6; budget cuts threaten human rights commission; practitioners learn to give meaningful care; queer counseling continues; First Thursday at City Hall discontinued; GLSEN Oregon founder honored; Muddy Waters goes profit-free 8-10 NORTHWEST Adams critics organize recall; Kroger bullish on civil rights 12-13Q8 A He fights to keep their laws oft your body ARTS AND CULTURE 26-27 FILM Two Indian women in 1950s South Africa fall in love against a background of pervasive police brutality and racism in The World Unseen 28-29 DANCE Gay choreographer questions how dance companies are traditionally structured 30 BEST OF THE BLOG Adams administration loses second staffer; Red Dress Party tix on sale now; Love is in the air; gay restaurateur responds to recession; Craigslist strikes again; In Other Words pledges to stay open—for now; government-endorsed fisting? 32 NIGHTLIFE Gay bars celebrate Fat Tuesday 33 THEATER The Importance of Being Earnest reminds us of persecuted playwright’s genius COLUMNS 34 JIM'S CLOSET In the Red 42 MS. BEHAVIOR Act Your Age PAGE 29 t has been one month since Portland Mayor Sam Adams had to fly home from Washington, D.C., to address a surprised and alarmed popu lace about allegations that he had lied about a personal relationship with the now infamous Beau Breedlove. In the ensuing month, Portlanders have seen the gray of winter dissipate into the warmer climes of early spring. But while the temperature outdoors may be warming up, a cold division still exists within much of Portland’s gay and lesbian community. Although much of the city seems to have settled into an anxious holding pattern pending the results of the attor ney general’s investigation, a restless cease-fire hangs over our portion of the greater community. A pattern of occasional sniper action has replaced the initial onslaught of anger and vitriol directed toward this pub lication and its stance on the mayor’s actions. But unrest, wariness and distrust permeate our community. We truly stand divided and in dire need of strong leadership. Adams, as recently reported in The Oregonian, answered a question about his effec tiveness as mayor with the following: “I have to let people go through their issues. Clearly partnerships have been stressed, but I’m work ing hard to fortify them.” A month into our city’s crisis in confidence, I’d like to ask the mayor, in light of his com ments, if he might step up. Step up, in a for tifying sort of manner, and denounce specific actions of vandalism and theft still occurring on an ongoing basis against this publication. In the past month, since calling for the resignation of the mayor, Just Out has been subjected to the loss/theft of several of our out door paper boxes. The loss amounts to several hundred dollars. Boxes not taken in their en tirety have the papers removed, often with the flier pictured on this page left in their place. Fear of perception? Making comparisons between the Adams story and Stonewall? 1 am always available to meet and converse with my detractors in a professional and friendly manner. But first, step out of the shadows, stop stealing my pa pers, and identify yourself. Then we can talk. Is it coincidence that this is happening at this time? No, I don’t think so. What I think is happening is that supporters of Adams are going way too far in defending, in their eyes, their now seemingly martyred mayor. The actions that they are taking are not simply misguided. We’ve long ago crossed into illegal and downright wrong. Sam Adams needs to step up and say, with conviction, “Knock it off.” Yes, Adams has a lot on his mind. He’s a busy guy. He’s got the potholes, the economy, the snubs from other elected officials. Yeah, he’s got all this to deal with. We all know there’s an interstate bridge to build with six« eight, 12 lanes, whatever. But Adams also needs to shake it off, show some strength and leadership, and piece together some damn bridges in this community. If Adams is going to continue to be the mayor, then it’s time for him to act
