Basic Rights Oregon Responds: We Need A Clear Path To Victory

Earlier today I sent Basic Rights Oregon an e-mail asking them if their clarification on the Statesman Journal's report wasn't something of a "soft stance" on the same-sex marriage issue.  Essentially, I posited that BRO could push the issue more and was instead conceding the debate to the opposition merely because the opposition is loud.

Jeana Frazzini, the Executive Director of BRO, thoughtfully responded to my questions by asserting that jumping the gun with a ballot initiative could prove disastrous to the same-sex marriage debate in Oregon:

“We’re engaging Oregonians in conversations about marriage and it’s working. We are moving public opinion in the right direction and, in fact, accelerating the pace of change. But we’re not there yet. If the election were held today, it’s not clear that we would win. Given the expense – financial, physical and emotional – of mounting a ballot measure campaign, it would be irresponsible to go to the ballot without a clear path to victory. Other states have shown that once a measure is on the ballot, both sides start shouting and it’s hard to move minds on this issue. We’ve seen states that were forced to the ballot just a few points shy of majority support for marriage, and months later despite giving it their best, they were still a few points shy of victory on election day.”

While I was not told this directly and am mainly speaking on behalf of myself, I got the feeling that it is unclear whether the poll numbers were strong enough to justify a petition drive at this time.  In short?  It hasn't been ruled out, but more work is needed to be sure of victory.

While I'm eager for marriage equality to become fact in my home state, I'm satisfied that BRO knows what they're doing, despite my disappointment in a possible delay to the ballot.

Update: Basic Rights Oregon Hasn't Really Made Up Their Mind

Queerty did some fact-checking and it turns out Basic Rights Oregon has not committed to beginning the process of collecting signatures to legalize same-sex marriage in the Beaver State.  Their Executive Director, Jeana Frazzini, explained what The Statesman Journal got wrong :

“We are still engaged in an education campaign, and will make a decision in October as to whether to forward with signature gathering. We’ve been working to engage Oregonians in conversations about marriage for over a year – through TV ads, social media, field work and encouraging one-on-one conversations across the state. While support for marriage equality is increasing, we do not want to go to the ballot unless we are confident that we can win.”

Frazzini added, “Once we enter a heated political campaign, it will be impossible for our message of love, commitment and fairness to be heard over the din of the opposition’s negative advertising.”

I find this rather disappointing.  Not just the glitch in journalistic accuracy, but I would hope that Basic Rights Oregon would, um, have bigger balls on the issue?  Frazzini's stance appears to boil down to "the opposition is loud and mean and we would rather not lose."  I've sent an e-mail to BRO asking if this is indeed the case and will update you as I get more information.

Oregon Gears Up For Gay Marriage In 2012

Basic Rights Oregon announced this weekend that they are gearing up to put a ballot initiative to the vote in 2012 legalizing same-sex marriage in the Beaver State.  Anybody can place an initiative on the ballot given enough petition signatures in Oregon, so the petition drive is slated to begin this October:

The announcement was made during a Garden Party fundraiser in South Salem benefiting the organization.

"I fully support the work that Basic Rights Oregon does," said Oregon State Secretary Kate Brown, the event's keynote speaker.

"They do an amazing job educating and engaging Oregonians across the state," she "I think it’s really important that Oregonians have an understanding of how discrimination impacts the lesbian, gay, transgender and bi-sexual community."

 It has the possibility of actually passing.  A recent poll found that 48% of Oregonians support full marriage equality, but some worry that a strong right-wing push in rural areas might keep current legislation in place.  In 2004, Oregonians approved a measure writing discrimination into the state constitution and that constitutional ban is what Basic Rights Oregon is up against.

Tim Nashif, the Oregon Family Council co-founder who ran the successful 2004 campaign for a ballot measure banning gay marriage in the state, says he is gearing up for a fight he doesn't want. 

If Basic Rights Oregon puts a measure on the 2012 ballot to repeal the ban, Nashif said he's confident Oregonians will uphold the ban. 

"We'll fight hard for it. We have been working for that end as if they are going to run" a ballot measure, said Nashif. But, he added, "it's a lot of stinking work and it causes a lot of hard feelings."

I was an Oregon voter in the '04 elections, and I was dismayed and outraged that my home state had taken such drastic steps to discriminate against myself and my fellow LGBT Oregonians.  I'm hopeful that, in 2012, the voters in the Beaver State will re-establish our image as welcoming and inclusive.  

Dear Portland 'Phobes: Enough Already!

The City of Roses' reputation as a progressive, forward-thinking city was once again marred on Saturday as another anti-gay attack struck the downtown area, with two men beaten in Old Town and another two men in custody facing charges of assault and intimidation.

Shawn Siefke and Christian Sanchez-Villavencio were walking on NW Flanders when they stopped and asked a man for directions.  Reports are unclear what his response was, but the incident somehow escalated into Siefke and Sanchez-Villavencio physically attacking the man (who is gay) and shouting ant-gay epithets.

Andrew Smith, a man visiting from Newport, happened by and decided to intervene.  Smith, 24, reasoned "I stepped in to help the man because I thought to myself, what if that was my little brother?"  He was repaid for his efforts with being thrown to the ground himself and being reportedly kicked in the head.  The suspects then fled, with the first victim calling the police, who arrested the attackers when they returned to the scene of the crime (WTF, dudes!).

Neither victim was, happily, critically injured.




This attack comes just weeks after another anti-gay attack which resulted in a hand-holding rally across the Hawthorne Bridge and citizen patrols in order to maintain the safety of the waterfront.  With city commissioners showing blatant ignorance of HIV-related issues and wasting taxpayer money in a fearful attempt to keep icky AIDSy urine out of the water, I have to ask: What the hell is going on in Portland?

Are these incidents isolated, or are they evidence of growing anti-gay (and related populations) sentiment in Stumptown?  I hope not, and the hand-holding rally's attendance (in the many hundreds) tend to belie that notion.  However, I now know that I'm a bit more fearful of Old Town after dark, and I don't like that.  My home state of Oregon is supposed to be an example of liberal ideals, with MarioJohn of Hivster.com stating:

"Seattlites sometimes look South with envy. From Oregon’s free-speech protections that enable a thriving sex-positive industry to Portland’s public transportation system, Portland makes 'progressive' Seattle seem a bit milquetoast in comparison."

So why have these incidents taken place?  Is it backlash from a blue-collar workforce that is just tired of teh gayz?  Or are these truly random incidents?  

Only time will tell, but I know this: these attacks and ignorant politicians have no place in my home state, and I hope that this are merely isolated instances of individual assholes doing shitty things.  

Portland Passes Trans-Inclusive Health Benefits

Today Mayor Sam Adams introduced, in partnership with the Portland City Council, health benefits to trans city employees.  The extension passed unanimously, underscoring the City of Roses' dedication to equal treatment for all Portlanders.

"'To the trans community of Portland, who each and every day makes this city a better place, it is my honor and privilege to serve on a city council that can bring an ounce of fairness in return,' Mayor Adams said. All Commissioners offered passionate commentary. Commissioner Amanda Fritz said: 'I appreciate living in a city and serving on a City Council where we look at what is the right thing to do…even though it may not be politically popular.'"

This decision comes three years after a 2008 resolution from the American Medical Association stating health care for trans Americans is medically necessary.  While health care was already available to Portland city employees, the new provisions extend that health care to include the costly treatments necessary to complete gender transition.  Congratulations to Portland and to all the trans Portlanders affected by this new law. 


[Portland Online]

Sunday's Portland Demo Results in 4,000 People On Hawthorne Bridge

Showing that homophobia has no place in downtown Portland, a massive crowd of 4,000 individuals showed up for a hand-holding rally that spanned the Hawthorne bridge.  Volunteer patrols had already started walking through the area at night after a gay couple was beaten for no apparent reason other than the fact they were holding hands.  

"Demonstrators packed into the space beneath the west side of the bridge at about 7:30 p.m., spilling over onto the ramp and stairs to hear from the attack’s survivors, Brad Forkner and Christopher Rosevear. Afterward, the crowd filed down both sides of the bridge with hands held. Despite being tightly packed together, some attendees could not fit on the bridge."


Forkner's speech was moving, and he didn't just speak about homophobia, but instead addressed many different types of discrimination and urged tolerance from Portland residents.


[JustOut]

Portland Gay Beating Results In Hand Holding Rally

I have a ton of friends in Portland, so I frequently make trips from my hometown in order to visit. It's a great town, known for its delicious beer and tolerant atmosphere. It's become something of a home-away-from-home for me, so you can imagine my rage when I heard of a hate crime committed against a gay couple strolling along the waterfront.

Brad Forkner and Christopher Rosevear were enjoying an evening walk while holding hands when they were accosted by a group of five men who beat them to a pulp. Nothing was taken, so detectives are investigating the matter as a bias crime.

"'I'm concerned by any assault of this nature,' Police Chief Mike Reese said. 'Particularly when it appears that the victims were targeted because of their perceived sexual orientation.'

"The suspects hit Rosevear in the head, face, back and ribs, before running away south on the trail past the two victims, police said.

"'The fact that people are still wanting to attack people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity is beyond my comprehension,' said Stephen Cassell of the Q Center."

No shit. Portland even has a gay mayor, for chrissake. 

In typical Oregonian style, a hand-holding protest is being held on Hawthorne Bridge this upcoming Sunday at 7:30 PM, the time and day of the attack. Event details found here. I encourage all of my Portlander friends* to attend, gay or straight.

*Yes, friends on Senate Street, I'm talking to you.

Big Surprise! Teen Suicide Rates Higher in Conservative Areas

A study which focused mainly on my home state of Oregon found that teens tend to attempt suicide more frequently in politically conservative areas.  Not a surprise.  What's perhaps more surprising is that the data shows that both gay and straight teens are affected regardless of whether or not they are exposed to bullying or are depressed.

"His study found a higher rate of suicide attempts even among kids who weren’t bullied or depressed when they lived in counties less supportive of gays and with relatively few Democrats. A high proportion of Democrats was a measure used as a proxy for a more liberal environment.

"The research focused only on the state of Oregon and created a social index to assess which outside factors might contribute to suicidal tendencies. Other teen health experts called it a powerful, novel way to evaluate a tragic social problem.

"'Is it surprising? No. Is it important? Yes,' said Dr. Robert Blum of Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health."

Next time you're being told that the anti-gay movement is protecting our children, this may be a salient, if extremely sad, point to bring up.  Conservatism:  killing our teens.  

[WaPo]

Oregon Legislature for the WIN!

This is why I love living here.

Someone got these state legislators to insert lyrics from Rick Astley's "Never Going To Give You Up" into their floor speeches.  Yes, ladies in gentlemen, a bipartisan effort to bring comedy to Salem (uh, cuz that town could really use it, no joke). 

Happy Oregon Day!

Are you alone on Valentine's Day?  Or disillusioned with the corporate nature of American holidays?  Perhaps you just like being a freakjob who goes against the grain?  This year, celebrate.... Oregon day!

Little known fact:  Oregon became a state of the Union on February 14th, 1859.

While I was in the Army, I was frequently single or apart from my loved one on Valentine's Day (the trials of being gay in the Army).  Deployments and training exercises often got in the way of my friends being able to be with their husbands/wives/slave girls.  So!  To distract them, I invented Oregon Day!

How do you celebrate?   Make your own Oregon Day cards, put little-known facts of this gem of the Northwest in them, and give them to your single and/or heartbroken friends!

For instance, did you know:

1.  Oregon has the least number of churches per capita in the United States?
2.  Portland has the highest number of strippers per capita in the United States?
3.  It is illegal to use canned corn as fish bait?

Come!  Celebrate the home of Prefontaine and Ken Kesey!  Celebrate Oregon Day!

Obligatory Football Message

Go Ducks!  Beat Auburn!  *insert rabid football chant here*!

Yes, I'll actually be watching the game.  I'm gross like that.

If You See This Guy in Person, Give Him My E-mail. I Have Some Choice Words for Him.

Take a look at this guy.  Memorize his face.  He is the enemy.

His signature is stupid too..

This guy, formerly known as Douglas, changed his name the other day to "Captain Awesome."  He lives in Eugene (my hometown).  He went to my high school.  And he's ruining my rep.

I've been referred to as Ian Awesome for about three years now.  I decided I was becoming more awesome and more superhero-like every day!  Therefore, I needed to have a new name-- the one that I write under now.  Never fear!  Ian Awesome is on the case.

At one point, I seriously considered changing my legal name to Ian Awesome.  It's not something I've ruled out.  Can't do that now!

"But he officially became Captain Awesome only last month, when a Lane County Circuit Court judge approved his name change petition.  And his new first name is no title, he made clear in a recent interview.

'Hi! I’m Captain,' he said, making this story even more fun to write. Journalists refer to subjects by last name only on second and subsequent references. So, that’s Awesome!

Any reader who — like Awesome — watches the television show 'Chuck' will not be surprised to know how he chose his new moniker. It was, indeed, inspired by a character on the NBC action/drama series: Dr. Devon 'Captain Awesome' Woodcomb.

'I just thought it was really funny that Devon’s father always called him Captain Awesome because "a poor nickname builds good character,"' said the local Awesome, an out-of-work cabinet installer."

HA!  Likely story.  So, dear reader, YOU decide.  Who's the poser-- MOI, or this... this... CABINET MONKEY?!

[The Register Guard]

BTW: The Ducks Are Gonna Spank the Beavers.

Sorry, non-Eugene/Corvallis residents.  I know you don't care.  Please ignore the following.

FUCK YOU, BEAVERS!  YOU'RE ALREADY GETTING SPANKED!  HAHAHAHAHA!

[Live Feed of the Game]

My Take on Ken Merman: You're A Rat Bastard!!!!

So at this point, most of you homos have heard about Ken Mehlman's big gay coming out party (complete with glitter gowns) which has been splashed all over the queer media.  If, however, you are one of my breeder allies, you may have missed it:  Former RNC Chair Ken Mehlman came out as a big flaming 'mo and is generally just a big pissant. 

I call him Ken Merman, and here's why!

He is that brand of magical, mythical person we call the Republican Homosexual-- that curious mix of right-wing rhetoric and buggery that seems to pop up incessantly amongst the Morally Superior.  This particular mythical creature, in particular, is far more mysterious and rare than most.  Not only is he an unrepentant buttfucker, he also ushered and guided the American Gestapo through arguably one of its most divisive and daring periods of time-- where it re-elected Queen Georgette based on a platform of moral restoration.  IE:  Smearing the queers. 

Let's see the facts:

During Merman's reign of terror, Georgette II was re-elected based on-- as seen in exit polls-- "Moral Values."  Essentially, setting back the gay civil rights movements by years.  How? 
During that fated re-election in 2004, under the shepherdship of Merman as Miz Bush's campaign manager, everyone got all in a tizzy that the lezzies and homos were going to get married and eat everyone's babies.  Who defended the Faith and the Faithful?  Georgette!  Election won!

During that election, and based on the climate of religious terror espoused by our hero, many states chose to enshrine discrimination in their whosiewhatsits by banning gay marriage!  In fact, during this political wizard's reign as campaign manager and RNC chief, 21 states ensured that gay Americans would be fucked up the butt-- and not with lube either!  With sandpaper!  And country music playing in the background!  Now discriminated against in their state constitutions, my lesbo friends can't adop their Malawi children with impunity... now they have to move to Massachusetts, and everyone knows that Boston accents are JUST TERRIBLE (what is a cah???  And how do you pahk it????).

While Kenny is certainly one of the most well-connected, more powerful, and just plain most nefarious of the bunch (mother fucker is STILL GIVING BOOKOO BUCKS TO ANTI-GAY POLITICIANS), he certainly ain't the only queer in the Republican party.  How many times in the past decade have we outed evangelicals and closet airport butthumpers????  How many more times will we have to hear about Mr. Sucksalotocock the important Senator getting pulled over coming from the "private men's establishments???"

Here's their excuse:  They struggled with their sexuality, it was all part of their personal journey, so sorry!  It was part of my coming to terms with it! 

Well, GUESS WHAT, asshole, and here's where I stop joking:  You are a selfish, rotten bastard.  I have no sympathy for you.  Your personal journey?!  You mean your personal journey that affected thousands-- tens!  hundreds of thousands!-- of Americans?   Seems like a pretty fucking public journey to me. 

As many of you know, I come from the wondrous, mist-shrouded fairyland known as Eugene, Oregon.  I have often prided myself on being a liberal raised by liberals in a liberal state.  During that black, terrible election that doomed our country to four more years of nepotism and misdirection, a constitutional amendment was proposed and put on the ballot banning gay marriage.  "Not in Oregon!"  I said.  "Oh no!" I chortled, "We don't do hate shit in my hood!"

I WAS CRUSHED.  My own home, in the end, decided to defile my state's constitution by enshrining within it vile propagandist bullshit blocking me-- and many gay Portlanders who already had-- from marrying the person that I chose to. 

Why?

Because of the air of fear that this fuckhead and people of his disgusting ilk promoted.  Because of their greed (how do you like your multi-million dollar home in oh-so-gay Chelsea, Mr. Merman?).  Because they wanted to re-elect someone and keep the paychecks coming in.  Because of their fearmongering, I lost faith in the idea that my liberal bastion was unsullied by this kind of fuckery. 

I lay this at the feet of your PERSONAL JOURNEY, closeted greedy republican queer, and furthermore I say this:

FUCK your personal journey.  Mine's already been smeared.  FUCK your privacy.  You have made my personal life a matter of national debate.  And most of all, Ken Mehlman, FUCK YOU.  How dare you beg forgiveness and decide that you can just suddenly be as gay as you can be?  How can you suddenly decide that you like the homos?  Your thirty silver pieces pocketed, you walk away from the noose and decide to get a loft?  You disgust me.

Fuck.  You.

[JoeMyGod]