Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2011)
OREGON'S LGBTO NEWSMAGAZINE JULY 1, 2011 2 1 _ J» ] Pride In Stride Poder Latino holds integral position in LGBTQ community For the past 15 years, the individuals at Poder Latino have put their best foot forward to help out those less fortunate. As a nonprofit organization, the group produces colorful, sassy and scintillating showcases, all devoted to raising funds for one per son in the community per year who, for one reason or another, is in need. Israel Cruz, 37, has been with Poder Latino for the past six years, and as the organization’s president, he can attest that though their fundraising capaci ties and scope aren’t as large as other nonprofits, the mission is just as big. Through events like the Sun day Latino Nights at Embers and their annual Mr. and Miss Gay Poder Latino pageants, Poder Latino links the community to LG B T Latinos, lots of drag and even more music. Proceeds from this year’s events will help ease the medical costs of April Bablo, a Portland resident who’s been diagnosed with cancer. “We look for the person who needs it the most,” says Cruz, emphasizing that beneficiaries need not be Latino, or LGBT. Portland Latino Gay Pride chair David Martinez says Poder Latino is an important part o f the Latino LG B T community, noting that several Mr. and Miss Gay Poder Latino titleholders have performed dur ing past Latino Gay Pride festivals. “They do a great job of bringing [the] community out,” Martinez says. “For some people, it’s the only chance they get to have fun, let loose and be among the Latino LGBT community, both Spanish speak ing and with similar life experiences.” M artinez cites the particular cultural impact of Poder Latino’s annual pageant productions. “They challenge the strict Latino gender roles and cultural expectations, and broaden our communi ty’s understanding of who we are,” Martinez explains. W ith this year’s pageants slated for the fall at Embers—dates could not be confirmed as of press time— Cruz and Poder Latino hope to continue their philanthropic efforts, and welcome all to take part. “W e’re a Latino organization, but we’re open to help anywhere,” Cruz says. “If people want to join us, too, you don’t need to be Latino. As long as you’re willing to help, everybody’s welcome.” For more information about Poder Latino, andfor up dates on this year's Mr. and Miss Gay Poder Latino, search “Poder Latino Oregon” on Facebook. — R yan J. P rado Voice of the MAX Enrique Andrade is going places, along with you Those who aren’t native Spanish speakers might not realize this, but the voice of the Spanish announcer on the Portland MAX light rail is incredibly sexy. That voice— the one that tells you “puertas a la derecha— belongs to Enrique Andrade, 38, a voice artist and an active member in Portland’s LGBTQ_Latino community. “The sexy voice, th at’s a gift, I guess,” Andrade says when asked about the compliment. “I haven’t explored the [phone sex] lines— I would rather sound sexy in a commercial or on a public transportation system.” In addition to Andrade’s work for transit agency TriM et, which runs the ► Restore FREE 1st Exam for New Clients Great prices , great causes Friendly, compassionate care la a family-llke setting DONATE! Windows, Doors, Sinks, ~ Appliances, Tile, Building Hi 3654 Powell Blvd Portland, OR 97202 503-236-1834 v Treating your pets like family for over 80 years Materials and more to your ^Habitat for Humanity Restore.^ O j ’ yi cuvoulablt Keep usable m aterials o u t o f the la nd fill. Help the Restore raise funds to build H ab ita t homes. wketv Providing ethical, careful and energetic handling of all your home financing needs. CAPITAL Shop or donate at our three area locations! PORTLAND BEAVERTON VANCOUVER 66 SE Morrison St (503) 283-6247 13475 SW Millikan Way (503) 906-3823 5000 E 4th Plain Blvd (360) 213-1313 FIND US ONLINE facebook pdxrestore.org U q i edit!" 133 SW 2nd Ave. Suite 410 Portland, O R 97204 LENDING 503.445.9525 NMLS #69445/275710 Colleen Weed buiibkerjA llem ® capi tal Mien ding.coin x: 503.523.2588 Phone: O ilice: 503.445.9525 Cell: 5 0 3 .7 8 0 .1 5 0 1
