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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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  Portland, OR: Not quite this gay, but getting there
Edit: I just realized this article was from Jan 6th, 2010, not June 6th, 2010 as I previously reported. My apologies for this error. –Perry
The Portland Tribune has claimed in an article that our fair city is getting gayer, quoting statistics stating that despite our lack of a “gay ghetto”, Oregon has the “third-highest proportion of same-sex couples in the nation” and “Portland has the 11th-highest number of same-sex couples among all U.S. cities”. The stats rest only on same-sex couples, but we all know that those are indicative of a whole lotta single ladies (and gents).
I could’ve told you PDX is getting gayer by the day without expensive surveys and statistical analysis…just look at the amount of queer dance parties, especially at Pride!
I’m pretty excited that the stats back up Alley’s and mine drunken musings about the amount of queer nights now vs. a few years ago.
More info and stats after the jump.
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  Stop hate crime
While none of the qPDX.com staff were able to attend last night’s community forum due to conflicts in our schedules, we’re excited to see that the event, organized by JustOut columnist Daniel Borgen and Stephen Cassell, was well attended, and that Portland Mayor Sam Adams was there to hear concerns from the community first hand. According to coverage by JustOut, one of the main concerns of the forum is the difference between actual homo/transphobic incidents that we all experience, and the rate at which they are reported to the police. At this juncture, I want to share a little story with you about gay bashing, about violence, about police reporting, and about why it matters.
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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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  Tyler McCormick (bottom left) takes 2010 IML title
Those of you involved in the leather scene in Portland and beyond will likely know all about this already, but Tyler McCormick has beaten out the odds to become International Mr. Leather 2010. Tyler is the first contestant from New Mexico, the first Transman, and the first contestant who is in wheelchair to take the title.
Congratulations Tyler on your win! <3
Check out Tyler’s very moving speech in this video courtesy of ThirdRail after the jump.
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  Katey Pants for Diesel Femme. Photo by Kina Williams
Community member, DJ, and femme fashionista Katey Pants has never been a qPDX contributor per se but this is at least the second time I’ve asked to borrow her erudite thoughts that she has publicly posted in other forums. Girl’s got a lot to say and I hope we all have a lot to say back.
Take it away KP!
In August, 2009, city officials in Multnomah County Oregon declared August 1st-8th Transgendered-Americans Week. In conjunction, organizers held a Gender-Free –For-All rally in Portland. I was not part of the organizing of the rally but an attendee. I also consider many of the organizers to be close allies and some friends. The march started with a celebration of the enactment of the Transgendered-Americans Week and a number of speeches, made predominantly by Portland politicians. From there our short and permitted march went through a neighborhood in NE Portland, led and surrounded by police.
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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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  Homophobia Sucks
Breaking news: LGBTQ Community Forum to be held TOMORROW (June 2nd) in wake of recent Memorial Weekend violence @ The Q Center, 7pm.
The press release reads:
“Because of the attacks over Memorial Day weekend that targeted LGBTQ members, our friends and loved ones, we have come together to host a forum that focuses on gay bashing in our community and how we can prevent and respond to it.
PLEASE do not take this issue lightly – we encourage you to come out, participate and get involved. Tell your friends, loved ones, family members – get the word out and we will see you tomorrow!”
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 We're sure that Gaga hates you right back,for massacring her song, or for those dodgy pants
The WBC parodies Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” with Megan Phelps-Roper on vocals. Yes, that Phelps-Roper of Westboro Baptist Church / God Hates Fags “fame” .
Includes insightful lyrics such as “Stop prayin,’ stop prayin,’ God will not hear you anymore, you taught the boys and the girls to be proud whores.”
I […]
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Gender Free For All: Let's build from the ground up! - A letter from Katey Pants
Katey Pants for Diesel Femme. Photo by Kina Williams
Community member, DJ, and femme fashionista Katey Pants has never been a qPDX contributor per se but this is at least the second time I’ve asked to borrow her erudite thoughts that she has publicly posted in other forums. Girl’s got a lot to say and I hope we all have a lot to say back.
Take it away KP!
In August, 2009, city officials in Multnomah County Oregon declared August 1st-8th Transgendered-Americans Week. In conjunction, organizers held a Gender-Free –For-All rally in Portland. I was not part of the organizing of the rally but an attendee. I also consider many of the organizers to be close allies and some friends. The march started with a celebration of the enactment of the Transgendered-Americans Week and a number of speeches, made predominantly by Portland politicians. From there our short and permitted march went through a neighborhood in NE Portland, led and surrounded by police.
Continue reading »