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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (May 29, 2009)
OREGON S GAY/LESBIAN/BI/TRANS NEWSMAGAZINE MAY 15 2009 by Ryan J. Prado NORTHWEST BRIEFS ? Coquille Tribe Enacts Same-Sex Marriage Law While Oregon continues to compete in a statewide legislative decathlon, on May 24, Kitzen Branting and her partner Jeni Branting overcame a particularly large hurdle when they were married in a Coos Bay, Coquille Indian Tribe plankhouse. The union is being celebrated as the first legal same-sex marriage in Oregon, although those legalities are solely recognized by the Coquille Tribe. As a federally recognized sovereign nation, the 7 Ttf ences that they might not [have] otherwise,” Sisters welcomes every individual to become a said Jackson. Big - as either a Brother, Sister or Couple. Gor “We got excited about the idea that we’d both ski noted that QCenter has been instrumental offer a child two totally different perspectives in helping get the word out; Q_Center hosted and hobbies and could help one another remain an evening for the community to learn more J consistent for our Little,” Gorski added. about the program and also featured them on Big Brothers Big Sisters BIG COUPLES! shares their love of the outdoors, cooking, ani 7^ After what Jackson called a “thorough, professional, personal and carefully orches “[BBBSCN will] be at Pride this year, trated” process, the couple was matched with again, and welcome anyone to stop by and a spunky, yet shy African-American girl, who answer more specific questions,” said Gorski. mals, and above all, fun! Those in the gay, lesbian, bi and trans community interested in learning more about “When we were told about a little 8-year- Coquille Tribe remains unfettered by the Oregon its website in the Partner Spotlight section. becoming a Big have a casual environment in Constitution. The tribe adopted a law over a year the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender old that simply wanted to be outside, have fim, ago, recognizing same-sex marriage and extending community in recent years. Through the do fun things, have funny Bigs — she really Big Brothers Big Sisters is partnering with all tribal benefits of marriage to gay and lesbian organization’s “Big Brothers, Big Sisters, liked the word ‘fun’ — we agreed she sounded Widmer to put on a “Bottles, Butts and Boots couples, but the enactment of the law was shelved Big Couples” program, a local same-sex right for us,” said Gorksi. Party,” a country-themed benefit for BBBSCN. until the week of May 17, while the tribe worked couple has charted a positive course for the out specifics regarding child support issues. mentorship of a very lucky “Little.” which to do so Friday, May 29. Both Gorski and Jackson wanted to make The hoedown will be held at Nolitas (923 NW sure that it was recognized by the child’s 10th Avenue) as the culmination of a larger According to a May 21 article in The Oregonian, Roz Gorski, co-director of community re family that they were a couple, and would be “Denim Swap,” which collected used denim assistant tribal attorney Melissa Cribbins said that lations with BBBS Columbia Northwest, and hanging out with the youngster as such. The to recycle and donate to BBBSCN. though no other couples have inquired about mar Jennifer Jackson, operations manager for Em Little’s mother felt that Gorski and Jackson rying yet, “I wouldn’t anticipate this will be the only pire Pacific, Inc., met in Little Rock, Arkansas were perfect for her daughter. marriage.” in 2003. After years of each wanting to mentor “There are so many gay and lesbian couples to purchase one or more $10 tickets to draw a child, the pair chose the route of BBBS’ Big out there with so much to give,” said Jackson. from the “Wall of Beer,” with products valued Couple program. “Our process with BBBS was so open and at S5-S60 from Widmer Brothers Brewing. warm that I had to remind myself that this is Attendees are encouraged to wear jeans and/ not the ‘norm’ in all organizations.” or cowboy boots. Light appetizers and drinks For more information on the Coquille Tribe, visit coquilletribe.org. Gorski had been a Big Sister previously -R yan J. P rado in Little Rock and witnessed the impact that Big Couple a Positive Model for Same-Sex Mentorship begin at 5:30 p.m. Guests have an opportunity “Bigs” have on children in the community. Both Bigs hope that others will hear their When the couple moved to Portland, the story and become involved in a child’s life via a played. Tickets may be purchased at the door. pieces fell into place to begin again with a Big mentoring program like Big Couples. Gorski’s For more information, visit bbbsnorthwest.org. Couple mentorship. work at BBBS is currently trying to ensure that “I felt as if Roz and I were in a very good more individuals from the gay, lesbian, bi and place in our life to offer a child some experi trans community know that Big Brothers Big Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest has made substantial efforts to reach out to The “Bottles, Butts and Boots Party” will will be served, and old-country tunes will be -R yan J. 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