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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 7, 2011)
O C T O B E R 7. 2011 O REG O N 'S LGBTO N EW SM AGAZIN E • p r o f i l e ' Similarly, Portland Latino Gay Pride— co-founded by M unguia’s late partner José Ornelas— is a perennial part ner, and an organization that until this year held its pri mary base o f operations at the Jupiter. The hotel has also served as host site for the Rose City Softball Associa tion’s Cascade Cup and Pride Northwest functions. “We have a saying: ‘As in G o d ’s house, all are welcome at the Jupiter,’” M unguia says. “We just don’t care w hether you’re gay or straight, black or white, hip ster or business suit-by-day. We want people to be able to come and feel accepted and free to be whoever it is that they may be and however it is they define themselves.” This June Munguia’s efforts were recognized on a grander scale, when Governor John Kitzhaber appointed him to the Oregon Tourism Board. As a member of this administrative body, it’s Munguia’s duty to review spending strategies and allocate funds for grants to increase the state’s viabil ity as a tourist destination. The board’s sug gestions and decisions are then implemented by Travel Oregon. Since Munguia’s appointment came after the 2011-12 strategies were established, his input is likely to be felt more in the coming years of his four-year term. “As a Latino, I bring that perspective of, ‘W hat do we need to do from the Oregon perspective to really make Oregon attractive to this segment of the population?” Munguia explains. “And then as a gay man, I bring that perspective of, ‘W hat are we as a state doing to promote LG B T tourism to the state?’ Those are going to be my big focuses.” Under Munguia’s wing, Oregon’s widely touted hospitality isn’t just hype. It’s fact. JÜÜ land’s first TAG-approved property, and is also a member o f the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA). “It really is about awareness,” Munguia says. “Its about those micro-aggressions that we use on a daily basis that we may not really be conscious of in our speech, or in our body language as we interact with people.” Upon TAG certification, staff and man agement take an exam designed to assure they can deal effectively and positively with issues sensitive to the LGBTQjcommunity— and, most importantly, says Munguia, have been trained not to make assumptions. “We all grow up with prejudices, and pre formulated ideas as to how people want to be treated,” he says. “The certification just lets the LG BTQ traveler know that this property is aware of who they are.” Linking the entire community to the expe rience of the Jupiter was a cornerstone strat egy for Munguia, and has established the property as a makeshift headquarters for many regional organizations and annual fundraising events. The Oregon Bears’ Bear- Town has turned to the Jupiter as host hotel For more information about the Jupiter Hotel, and event epicenter. v isit jupiterhotel.com. The Realtor with Results! H ka ,SJ r -u s 1 H . D w a yn e D a v is 1220 NW Lovcjoy. Suite 130 • Portland, OR 97209 www.BridgeviewTeamRTG.com 503 - 319-4057 « .• W estover H eights C L I N I C Excelling in Sexual Health Care and Offering General Internal Medicine Dog %t Cat Shop Unique Accessories & Healthy Necessities for Dogs & Cats Serving the community fo r 30 years L ocated in thf . H eart of H istoric M ississippi A ve 1/2 B lock from the Q C enter 2330 N W Flanders, Suite 207 4039 N. 503 - 226-6678 # 104 P o r t i a n d , OR 97227 503-249-1432 M is s is s ip p i www.westoverheights.com #1 H ighest Rated io n THI L O V C of C A R S Mazda Dealer in Portland! Highest star rating according to Google Places 7/6/2011 We also carry Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles f?) CEFT/E/ED P R E -O W N E D Experience Excellent Customer Service at Ron Tonkin Mazda E Burnside St. Portland 503.227.1212 vancouver 360.694.1234 Ron T o n k iiT M azd a S E Stark St 750 Southeast 122nd Avenue Portland, OR 97233-1106 ( 503 ) 258-5610 Ron Tonkin 205 Mazda S E Market St. Visit us online at RonTonkinMazda.com!
