I
OREGON'S LGBTO NEWSMAGAZINE
W hat began as a barbecue among friends
seven years ago has blossomed into an ever-
evolving, visible source of pride in Central
Oregon. And just as Bend Pride has left the
confines of the backyard, the organizers behind
the festivities continue to break down barriers
in an not-yet-completely tolerant community.
Constituting a week’s worth o f seminars,
friendly fundraisers, circus sideshows, queer
proms, live music and more, the Human Dig
nity Coalition’s Seventh Annual Bend Pride
Festival is ready to make its mark yet again.
“Pride continues to garner support from the
Central Oregon community,” explains Heather
Laurie, H D C ’s program coordinator. “Each year
we see a steady increase in our number of vendors
and participants. We are still a small, quaint cel
ebration, but it’s a good day for all involved.”
Bend is still playing catch up when it comes
to fostering the LGBTQ.community. Laurie
says that H D C constituents have explained
how important the group’s outreach, education
and community events are to Central Oregon’s
queer community— the only times, they say,
when it’s okay to be gay in Bend.
“We still do not have any gay bars, coffee
shops or drop-in centers,”says Laurie. “At H D C
we continue to strive to create a community of
acceptance for LG BTQ . members. We have a
long ways to go, but holding public Pride cele
brations does help make a difference.”
Assisting H D C in its Pride efforts is the
Stars and Rainbows committee— an offshoot
designed to organize several activities for the
— statewidepride—
JUNE 3. 2011
P15JB
friends. One dollar from every menu item pur
chased goes to H D C .
The circus rolls into town Friday, June 10 (7
-10 p.m.) with the third annual Queer Prom,
dubbed “Cirque du So Gay.” A spectacle of
snake-charmers, stilt-walkers, dancers, per
b y ryan j . p r a d o
formers, deejays and more, the gala provides a
crucial welcoming environment for LGBTQ_
j'o u th in Central Oregon. The event is being
planned by four youth interns at H D C , folks
| who know the importance of a night when
05 young people can be themselves without ridi
cule or judgment.
“Queer Prom has been growing in popularity
since its inception,” says Laurie, who notes the
increase in Gay-Straight Alliances in local high
schools. H D C also hosts Queer Youth Space
(QYS, pronounced “kiss”), a twice monthly drop-
(354 NE Greenwood Ave., Ste. 110) Monday, in night for youth ages 14-20. “Cirque du So Gay
June 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. The training, Laurie ex is a chance for young people to come out, dress
plains, will be specific to LGBTQ_ terminology, how they want, dance with whom they want, and
culture and information.
be embraced for the dynamic and wonderful
“We frequently get requests from other non young people that they are,” Laurie adds.
profit organizations, businesses, schools, thera
The main celebration on June 11 features
pists and more for information and help with area deejays and musicians, though as of press
their LGBTQ_ clients,” Laurie says. “These time H D C had not confirmed a final lineup.
places and people seek to be able to work with The event welcomes participants from around
our constituents in the most culturally sensitive the state and acts as a regional LGBTQ_ re
and respectful ways possible. We will be provid source hub for the community at large. And
ing this training free o f charge to anyone in the following the festival, an after-party at Club
community who is interested in attending.”
Seven (1033 N W Bond St., 9-11 p.m.) keeps
On Tuesday, June 7, Brew Werks (384 SW the Pride going for those 21 and over. JK
Upper Terrace Drive, 6-8 p.m.) hosts a happy
hour fundraiser for community members and Visit glbtbend.com or humandignitycoalition.org.
Central Focus
Seventh Annual Bend Pride Festival suits up
for summer support
LG BTQ_ community in Central Oregon. The
organization, launched in January, already boasts
close to 200 members, providing gatherings for
movies, skiing, cocktails and more on a monthly
basis. The group holds an unofficial kick-off
meet-and-greet on Sunday, June 5 (11:30 a.m.-
2:30 p.m.) and a closing picnic and hiking event
Sunday, June 12 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), along with a
Bloody Mary Farewell Party and Brunch the
same day at Common Table (150 NW Oregon
Ave., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.).
Before the official Bend Pride celebration on
Saturday, June 11—held at McKay Park (166
SW Shevlin-Hixon Drive, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.)—
H D C broadens its outreach with an LGBTQ_
Cultural Sensitivity Training at the H D C offices
Y
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