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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (May 21, 2010)
MAY 21 2010 OREGON S LESBIAN/GAY/BI/TRANS/QUEER NEWSMAGAZINE |7 COURTESY FAVOR ELDS / SMYRC N O RTH W EST NEWS WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY YOUR CAR? WITH GREAT MUSIC, OF COURSE! Unn.ir lilrri 140 NE Broadway • 503.257.0488 • www.mobilewestpdx.com car audio/visual • navigation • security • remote start • wireless solutions • iPod • factory integration president of Pride Northwest, spoke to at tendees on the importance of political orga nizing. Kelsey Jarone, a University of Oregon student and the outreach coordinator for the university’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer Alliance, gave the keynote address, which focused on how she dealt with a break- in at the alliance. Though she can walk Eugene’s streets holding her girlfriend’s hand, she said after ward, obstacles for the queer community per sist. “We can’t lose sight of that,” she added. Mason Leed, 17, the president of Gresham High School’s GSA, attended the summit to “learn how to do activism” and make the alli ance more politically active. She already felt that her past activism had made “it safer for myself and other people.” Students in attendance from the Kenne wick, Wash, area described a challenging high school environment. “A lot of the students are homophobic,” said 17-year-old Echo Shimer. Shimer identifies as transsexual: “You can’t be open about it.” The words “faggot” and “gay” are often used derogatively, and people have to “stay quiet” about being queer, he said. Shimer felt encouraged by information he received during one workshop about the transition process, and meeting other queer youth inspired him to speak out more. A workshop on the sexual and gender spectrum’s terminology took place in Mayor Adams’ office. Eight youth sat around a shiny, dark wood conference table and considered an acronym much broader than the oft-used “LGBTQ:—LGBTQQIIPAA2S (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, queer, questioning, identifying, intersexed, pansexual, asexual, ally and two-spirited). In an energetic and politely argumentative discussion, participants noted that there are other terms and accompanying letters. Court ney Turley, 17, together with Olise Johnson, facilitated the workshop. One topic of conver sation was the term “questioning.” “Is there a difference?” Turley asked, between identifying as “queer” and “questioning.” “Yes, but I don’t see it as necessary to include the same letter twice,” said Phoenix Ryan, 16. “Should it be a more used term? It’s not as widely used,” Turley said. “Or people say they’re bi when they’re ques tioning,” Ryan responded. “And you can be questioning your whole life,” Johnson said. “And you are questioning a lot of things,” Turley added. “I think it’s cool that there are words for these things,” said Gabe Petegorsky, 15. But he wondered if such terms should be read ily accepted as the best way to refer to one’s sexual orientation and gender identity. “They almost sound a bit clinical,” he concluded. Youth left the summit with ideas, inspi ration and an excited resolve to take what they had learned back to their communities. “People will be able to express themselves the way they are and be able to be honest,” Britadesco said. i t a i ian 416 N.W. 12th Avenue GAY SKATE IS ROLLING ON A NEUI NIGHT FOR ONE fltONTH gionday, and Portland, Oregon 97209 7—9pm Oaks <park «Rink, Tges + Donation of Food or Sundry Items 503.227.1212 vancouver 360.694.1234 SORELLA LUNA C eramics June 14th, l ine ares 50V97Î-5862 G ai i ery \ vy \ av . thcsorelIaluna.com
