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A weekend of (Feminist) Agendas, (Magic) Mouths, (Blow) Ponies, and local film

Boy Funk makes his Portland debut at Blow Pony

Thursday

Note: The previously listed SistaFist/Magic Mouth show was listed incorrectly as this Thursday. It’s actually next Thursday, which we didn’t find out until this week. qPDX regrets the error.

Feminist Agenda launch party – Feminist Agenda has quietly been creeping onto the scene for about 3 or 4 months now but they’ve finally decided this is the time for their coming out party. A site dedicated to being a directory and resource of feminist activism and organization, FA is helmed by former In Other Words staffers Katie Carter and Amber Rowland. You can read an interview with the dynamic duo from earlier in the week, and stay tuned to hear them on next week’s podcast.

“Ethical Sluthood” a Q&A with Janet Hardy – Portland (well Eugene in this case) queers are more used to polyamory than most but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a lot to learn. Whether people have been calling Gingrich’s indiscretions an open marriage or polyamory you’d be wrong. That was just plain cheating. So how do we know we’re being fair in a non-monogamous relationship? Some of it is common sense, a lot of it is communication, but many of the “rules” are unfamiliar territory. Dossie Easton and Janet Hardy’s Ethical Slut, has been the go-to guide for polyamory with a conscience since its release in 1997. Now you can actually ask questions about the finer points and maybe even some “what ifs” thanks to new sex toy store As You Like It.

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More businesses sign onto Washington marriage equality pledge, including Starbucks, Microsoft

Big business has been getting some press for their support of Washington’s newly introduced gay marriage bills, which are now expected to pass both the Senate and the House. Last Thursday six prominent companies, including Microsoft and Nike signed a letter of support for SB 6239 and HB 2516. Today Starbucks joined the growing list of corporations in support of Washington state marriage equality saying,

Starbucks is proud to join other leading Northwest employers in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples…

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DJ of the Week — Stormy Roxx

DJ Stormy Roxx

Every week (or so…) we introduce you to a local LGBTQ party DJ and ask them about their experiences in the scene and feature an audio mix they’ve made. If you’re interested in being featured contact alley@qpdx.com.

DJ Stormy has been one of my favorites since the early days of Skervy and Booty, which really ushered me into alterna-queer Portland nightlife. He’s been playing this town for a long time and knows our changing community well. And I have seen a lot of the shifts along with him. A DJ with great energy and a wide array of friends to compliment his style behind the decks, Stormy Roxx continues to play all kinds of parties. This Saturday he plays the iconic, if controversial Blow Pony along with DJs Linoleum, Airick and others.

When & how did you start DJing?

I started DJing cuz i love music, & I just happen to love dancing too! My first attempt at DJing was during Junior year in high school. My buddy & I wanted to DJ one of the school dances. It ended up being kinda high tech in a way… we were playing from cassettes & videos, & I guess a few CDs, but I don’t remember there really being CDs much at that time. We had spent hours building DIY dance lights with a controller board & gathering music & videos. I think we rented a fog machine too. We were excited to bring the whole show! Not long after we started, we blew the speakers. That was that.

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Get The Party Started! Feminist Agenda PDX Launches!

Feminist Agenda PDX Launches Party Jan. 26

Calling all Feminists! The Girls from In Other Words, Katie Carter and Amber Rowland have officially launched Feminist Agenda PDX and want to celebrate. They are hosting a FREE all-age, family friendly event at Mercy Corps., January 26th.There will be short films on media literacy by the Reel Grrls (all girl camp in Seattle) and a screening of Miss Representation. There will be an after party celebration for those of you over 21 at the Beauty Bar; drink specials included.

The two started Feminist Agenda PDX in hopes of bringing the Portland Feminist community together as well as promoting the work of different feminist, queer and radical organizations. Beside the website-which includes a directory of over 30 groups and organizations, the Feminist Agenda PDX has a monthly newsletter to help promote different future events and volunteer opportunities. You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook. I had the chance to interview Katie and Amber about Feminist Agenda PDX.

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Washington marriage equality bill poised to pass

Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen secures the last vote needed

Earlier this month Governor of our close neighbor Christine Gregoire announced her support for marriage equality in Washington state.

The House already had enough necessary votes to pass a bill and, as of today, so does the Senate. Following a two hour legislative hearing in Olympia today Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island has said she will support the bill (6239). She is the 25th to add her support including 2 Republicans. Her decision was a difficult one, which she acknowledges in this statement released today:

“For several weeks now, I have heard from the people of my district. They’ve shared what’s in their hearts and minds.

“I have received many letters, emails, phone calls, very heartfelt, from both sides of the issue. I’ve also received a number of very negative comments from both sides.

“For some people, this is a simple issue. I envy them. It has not been simple or easy for me.

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Q-Center: Winter Gala 2012

Q-Center's Winter Gala Feb. 18th, 2012

Earlier this week, Q-Center announced the 4th annual Winter Gala. The Gala will be happening   February 18th at the Y.U. Contemporary Art Center.This event is to celebrate our community and also serves as the main fundraiser for the Q-Center. We can expect to see some awesome live entertainment.

Hal Gerard, the Ohio native and singer/songwriter will be gracing the stage with his guitar skills. Bob Mould, who was recently on Conan with the Foo Fighters, will also be playing. Aaron Altermose will also be showing his amazing talent on the piano. Don’t forget the gal power with Lisa Mann,  who won the 2009 Cascade Blues Association Muddy Water’s award for best voice, and Amaya Villazan who is an artist known for her debut in “Clean House”.

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GLADD announces 23rd Annual Media Award Nominees

Outstanding Film – Wide Release

Albert Nobbs

Roadside Attractions

Beginners

Focus Features

J. Edgar

Warner Bros. Pictures

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Equity Foundation’s First Annual Awards

Oregon’s Equity Foundation awarded two individuals and three businesses with various awards on January 20, 2012.

The awards were handed out during a sold-out luncheon at Portland’s Governor Hotel. The program included remarks from Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown and a rousing sing-a-long to Three Dog Night’s Joy To The World with the PHAME Academy choir. PHAME is a chorus of developmentally disabled adults that recently won funding from Equity Foundation.

Individual awards were bestowed on a couple of past Equity board members.

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As You Like It launches online store

www.asyoulikeitpdx.com

 

The “Green” Approach 

Who says sex toys can’t be environmentally friendly? Portland’s local website, As You Like It: The Pleasure Shop just launched! As You Like It provides a safe and green friendly environment for its customers. Locally owned and operated, the LGBTQ business supports a body positive and sex positive image.

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Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association’ winners for the best in film and television of 2011

Weekend took home a good bulk of the awards/nominations including Best Picture

Sometimes I get swept up in the excitement of award shows such as the Oscars, sometimes I find them a bore. But there is something fun about making lists of the things we love. And though the Academy Awards might make you roll your eyes, like when Brokeback Mountain lost out to the retch-inducing Crash in 2006, it’s much more fun to roll your eyes at an award show that’s predicated on LGBT content. It may be better, it may be worse, but I have a feeling the ceremony (or at least the after parties) are way more fun.

These winners were announced last Monday January 16th and the winners are listed below. Go ahead and check out how they compare to our own lists of Best Gay Film and Television of 2011.

The group’s Dorian Award winners this time include two big victories for the bold gay romance Weekend (for Film of the Year as well as LGBT Film of the Year). Meryl Streep earned Film Performance of the Year for her uncanny turn as former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the biopic The Iron Lady, while Michael Fassbender nabbed the We’re Wilde About You Rising Star of the Year honor for his daring performance as a sex addict in Shame. In the more unusual film categories, the comic drama 50/50, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a young man diagnosed with cancer, was named Unsung Film of the Year, and The Muppets took Campy (Intentional or Not) Film of the Year. 

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