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Occupy Voices: Portland Speaks

Occupy Portland 2011

I have been active in the Occupy Movement since its beginning in October. Occupy PDX is just one of many occupations around the world. I proudly stand up for my rights and the rights of others as part of the 99%. In the past, I have covered the “story” from a neutral prospective; only covering the facts and keeping my opinion at bay. I believe in this movement and the voices behind it. I had the awesome opportunity to sit down and document some diverse prospective.

Kelly Koblacki, 28 , has Occupied Portland, OR, NY, New York and Olympia, WA. “I became involved with the movement because I believe in positive progressive social change. Growing up low income, Queer, Jewish, and from a single parent household, I have experienced and acknowledge many different forms of repression. It is essential for our society to move towards a more socially & environmentally sustainable way of life. I am here to raise awareness and open the eyes of the 99%. All of the things that the 99% do in addition to the 1% are detrimental to our well-being.”

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Friendly House: Third West Coast Affiliate of SAGE

SAGE & Friendly House Combine Efforts

Earlier this month, the Friendly House Director of Services, Mya Chamberlin, spoke at a D.C. summit regarding care for the elderly LGBTQ community. Recently, Friendly House announced that their Gay & Grey program is officially affiliated with SAGE– a service for our LGBTQ elders. SAGE is a national non-profit based out of New York and is the country’s largest organization representing […]


Is this really goodbye Just Out?

John Cameron Mitchell holds a copy of Just Out featuring him. Just one of many memorable JO covers over the years

In a sudden move today Just Out, Portland’s first LGBT publication, announced it will cease publication with the already released 12/9 issue. Despite that issue talking about new delivery methods in 2012 and not indicating an imminent shut down, JO has posted on their website as well as posting this more thorough statement on their Facebook page:

It is with great sadness that I have to announce today that Just Out newspaper, having put up a helluva fight against this dammed “Great Recession”, will be unable to continue publishing. Our 12/9 issue was/is our last publication. Thank you for being our “Friends” and for reading Just Out, these past 29 years.

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2 Girls, 1Podcast episode #5 with guest DJ Action Slacks discusses Egyptian protests, ‘Portlandia’ and ANTM scandal

This week Lyska and Alley invite a guest to the studio, Shannon Wiberg, aka DJ Action Slacks. We laugh a lot. […]


Anti-LGBT sentiments circulate at the Clark County Chamber of Commerce?

Update: The CC Chamber of Commerce has officially stated that this was spam email. There have been discussions about this statement (make of that what you will) and you can read the entire announcement at the bottom of this post.

For all the ups and downs of my hometown Vancouver, Washington and its Clark County, from being named one of the most gayest cities to being made fun of in a Portlandia spoof called Vancouvria, I never would have expected emails as homophobic as these that circulated last night at the Clark County Chamber of Commerce. (Guess they won’t be promoting our Holiday Gift Guide, local as it may be).

Apparently, they were not meant for the general public, but that doesn’t negate their inherent discrimination. Change.org has additional information and a petition you can sign demanding an apology.

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We want you to weigh in on the best of 2011!

SuperGay and Diana at Pride 2010

SuperGay and Diana are ready to see the best of 2011

It’s that time of year to start thinking about year in review and best of lists. So before we move on to the green pastures of 2012 (perhaps our last year on earth?) let’s reflect on the hills and valleys of 2011. I have plenty of opinions myself, and you can check out all of 2010’s […]


2 Girls, 1 Podcast episode #4: ‘Angels’ in review, politicians, celebs, bisexual penguins and the holidaze

This week’s episode of ranting by Lyska and Alley features gay penguins, male model Andrej Pejic in a bra, Rick Perry’s Brokeback ad, sci fri smackdown and more (including more making fun of Alley). Plus, a special anniversary message to my favorite aunt and uncle. You made it 30 years. […]


2 Girls, 1 Podcast episode #3: Clinton speech, Lilo in Playboy & on Ellen, and more holigay

Lindsay Lohan's leaked Playboy cover

Here’s some extra info of the multitude of topics we discuss in qPDX’s 3rd podcast including Lohan on Ellen and in Playboy, Angels in America, more holigays, Siri abortion controversy and more. Plus, can we sue people for having bad movies? Can I wear what Kim Kardashian wears to work?

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Rep. Blumenauer Co-Sponsors Stop AIDS Now Act

Stop AIDS in Prison Act

In honor of World AIDS Day last Thursday, Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer (one of 33 cosponsors) participated in the reintroduction of the “Stop AIDS in Prison Act”. The bill was originally introduced by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA). Previously, this bill was passed by the House by voice vote; however the Senate lacked to complete the bill prior to adjournment.

The Stop AIDS in Prison Act will help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS among prison inmates, encourage them to take personal responsibility for their health, and reduce the risk that they will transmit HIV/AIDS to other people in the community following their release from prison,” Waters stated in a press release last week.

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Friendly House Director to Speak at D.C. Summit

"Building community one friend at a time"

Gay & Grey

Portland’s Gay & Grey program recently announced that on December 7th Mya Chamberlin (Friendly House Director of services) will be speaking in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) LGBTQ Elder Housing Summit. This summit brings together advocates from across the country who are dedicated to establishing safe housing for the LGBTQ elder community.

The summit will be webcasted via the HUD website.

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