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  Film still for 'Field Guide to November Days' In Portland the queer community and the bike community are inextricably linked. Arts, culture, and film overlap with both. So the latest project from Sampo films, run by Nick Peterson and openly queer partner Mary DeFreese is quintessentially west coast LGBT.
Championed by prominent gay filmmaker Gus Van Sant, the duo’s first several films were shorts that, at 20 to 40 minutes, were difficult to place in either the short or feature space. But soon they brought their cinematically beautiful films, all shot in 16mm to the feature space with 2006’s Yellow. Based on the same characters A Field Guide to November Days is a very different film although co-producer Mary DeFreese says that this time they intended to put splashes of red into every shot. This experimental project features very little dialogue, instead focusing on the intensity of silence and the power of color. It was also filmed almost entirely by bike.
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  Rai Villanueva will help kick off Pride with Thursday's gay ass Diesel party Recently added events starred like so*
Truthfully, I think I’ve been putting off the Pride 2010 calendar because there’s do damn much to do that I’m overwhelmed. So let’s take this piece by piece. First, there’s plenty to do before we even get to the weekend. Workin’ stiffs, of which I now be one, gird your loins and take one for the team. It’s gonna be a busy week.
Tonight
Pride Pub quiz – Did you know that it’s the 40th anniversary of the first Pride parade commemorating the June 1969 Stonewall riots? That’s why June is Pride month kids. Do you know about Harvey Milk day and Anita Bryant, Lon Mabon and the OCA? Have you ever been to the Lesbian Herstory Archives? Well, gear up your uber gay trivia because this pub quiz is gonna be both fun and educational. I’m putting on my hot librarian glasses cuz the competition is gonna be stiff…
*Gay Pride Kickoff Gay Skate!
Strap on some rollerskates and go kick it with the gays at Oak’s Park. A great way to roll into pride.$6. all ages, bring food donations for Esther’s Pantry. More
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  Spin Slayer! This weekend begins on Thursday – at least for gays and dykes in this queer, queer town, and this little guide will help you win it and not hit the net too early. So get your sweatbands on and pull on those short shorts, because it’s gonna get hot and sweaty! Not only is it Beartown 15 all this weekend, it’s also a grab bag of fun stuff to do from sports to art and dancing.
Kaia Wilson kicks things off on Thursday, serving up some hot shots and killer teams to raise money to send her to the Gay Games in Cologne, Germany. Kaia’s Ping-Pong Pandemonium will feature star-studded teams (Donna Dresch, Carrie Brownstein, Explode into Colours and more) and local Portland DJs Permanent Wave (Jenny Hoyston) and Dan Moe. The winner will face Kaia in the final round. Bone up on your Ping-Pong knowlege here, and read the history of Kaia’s shot at Gay Games glory here. There will also be an exhibition match by pro table tennis players. More info 21+/$5-? sliding scale. 8pm. Point.
But thats just the warmup round!
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  Last year's Beartown 14. Photo by Stephen Cassell Can you believe that Portland has been celebrating fuzzy, round, gay men for more than half my life now? That’s right, 2010 ushers in the 15th Annual Beartown from this Thursday the 10th through Sunday the 13th at the Jupiter Hotel (800 E Burnside).
Once again, the schedule is ridiculously exhausting. Whether you’re hot tubbing, cigar smoking, or dancing in your underwear, you’ll be doing it with other friendly beasts. And boy howdy, how exciting will be be to see a bunch if hairy dudes descend on Hawthorne’s shopping district?
Of course one of the biggest events will be the Release the Beast Dance Party with tag-team DJ’s Sam Storicks (of Bearracuda Portland) and DJ BradPDX (Crush Bar, “Tilt-A-Whirl” 2009) as well as returning host(ess) Foxxy Bernadette. And if you’ve still got growl in your soul left for Pride weekend, absolutely head over to Branx for Bearracuda.
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  Topp Twins characters Ken & Ken Why does it take really cool things forever to be on US radars? We’ve certainly been missing the boat by not recognizing the amazing comedic and musical genius of lesbian New Zealanders the Topp Twins. Hopefully the release of their new documentary, Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls, screening this Sunday at 7pm as part of QDoc, will remedy that. Because this is my favorite film of the fest.
The dynamic duo of Jools and Lynda are also taking their act on the open US road with shows here in Portland on Tuesday at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan). A mix of sketch comedy, yodeling and folk music the Topp Twins have been beloved in their home country for decades as well as outspoken leaders in gay rights. Even though they have never shied away from their stances nor their personal sexualities, a diverse country of farmers both more and less gay-friendly have embraced the folksters unlike any other act.
Untouchable Girls chronicles their lives as ranchers, musicians and activists and blends hilarious interviews with their alter egos with serious topics such as Jools’ battle with cancer, coming out to their parents and a nation, and the real love both have for their respective partners.
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  Friday is going to be ridiculous, including Dolly Parton Hoot Night... Holy goddess-mother it’s Pride season and there’s going to be a helluv a lot of ways to have fun this summer from here on out. I’ll do my best to highlight with I think sounds best but, you know, feel free to school me…
Tonight
QDoc – Um yeah, this is actually all weekend. Get it while the gettin’s good. Opening party tonight with the hottest old drag queen and director Michelle Lawler. Hell yeah!
First Thursday – You already know about it if you’re artsy, and a lotta us gays are. But you should definitely check out Brent Pruitt’s Commie Pinko Fag exhibit at the Men’s Wellness Center and Audrey Lawson’s Queer Sex senior thesis show at PNCA.
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  Jennifer Cohen of the Circus Project The Circus Project seems like a great organization. A non-profit which utilizes the unique power of art to transcend social barriers and inspire personal transformation, they put on world-class aerial performances and provide expert training, all the while funding outreach to homeless and at-risk youth in the Portland metro area.
But it seems, despite prior approval (which I don’t personally think is necessary) The Rose Festival coordinators threatened to cancel “Duende,” after audiences complained about a kiss between two women. While the show does go on the times have been changed in order not to ruffle the feathers of “family friendly” audiences.
So please take a moment to read this letter and show your support in any way you see fit, be it attending a show, writing to the Rose Fest or otherwise taking up space as a big ol’ gaymo in this town.
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Portand’s QDoc is the only queer documentary film festival in the US (and one of two in the world) held annually at the intimate Clinton Street Theater (2522 SE Clinton). That’s pretty special. But not surprising for our hometown.
It’s also a great kick-off to Pride season to reflect on our LGBT roots before we start the party. Several qPDXers got the chance to screen some of these films and will be providing reviews in the next couple days. But the folks organizing the fest have put together a pretty fabulous preview on their own:
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 Mexican wrestlers at 2009's La Lucha. Photo by Stephen Casselll It seems the gay high holidays are officially upon us. Tomorrow begins some events, brunches and celebrations caliente with 2010’s La Lucha – Latino Gay Pride week. As you can see, last year was a blast, and I’m sure this year’s parties at Boxxes and the Jupiter Hotel will be equally filled with hip-swinging, Mexican wrestler masking wearing, rainbow orgullo y divertido. Here’s a schedule of heritage happiness.
UPDATED SCHEDULE
Voz Alta, Wednesday, June 2, 6pm – 9pm
Miracle Theatre, 525 SE Stark, Portland OR
Voz Alta or “loud voice” kicked-off the 2009 Portland Latino Gay Pride Celebration. Partnering with Miracle Theatre, approximately 100 individuals enjoyed an evening of poetry, song, dance, and dramatic performances. For La Lucha 2010, be prepared for another powerful presentation of music, drama, and song. Suggested Donation: $5.00
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 Queer Prom masquerade
School is almost out for summer, but the university gays and lesbians wanted to send off their lavendar grads in style with last Friday’s Portland State University Queer Prom. qPDX photographer and PSU student, CROD, was there to catch all the action in pictures.
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