Longtime Q Center supporters and community leaders Roey Thorpe & Bill Dickey are this year’s Winter Gala honorary co-chairs! Each of them weighed in on why you should attend Q Center’s 2012 Winter Gala! Watch their videos below.

Roey Thorpe:

Bill Dickey:

CLICK HERE for tickets

(Affordable, professional “Video Conversations” by ERL Media, the leader in capturing and sharing Engaging, Relevant, Local video conversations. More information at: http://www.IamERL.com)

Q Center Board Member and Attorney Beth Allen was interviewed yesterday on KATU news regarding Marriage Equality! Watch the video below. Full story just below that!

From KATU news:

If Washington’s gay-marriage bill becomes law, an out-of-state gay couple could get married in Washington but in the eyes of the law in Oregon, they’re still not married.

Washington’s Senate passed a gay marriage bill Wednesday night, legalizing it. It is expected to pass the House next week and then head to Gov. Chris Gregoire’s desk. She says she’ll sign it.

While Oregon does recognize domestic partnerships, gay Oregonians say they feel that’s still second-class status.

Beth Allen, a successful attorney and a passionate advocate for gay marriage, went to law school to “maybe help make (gay) marriage legal.”

She knows the ins and outs of Oregon marriage law and how it applies to same-sex couples who tie the knot in other states.

“Marriage cannot be recognized here under our Constitution. There is not marriage equality. You cannot have a woman and a woman marry, a man and a man marry,” she said. “So it doesn’t matter where you go to marry, it’s not recognized once you get into Oregon or most of the states in the United States.”

Even under Oregon’s domestic-partnership law, Allen pointed out gay couples run into hurdles all the time, including things like family visiting hours at the hospital and what happens when a loved one passes.

“I had a dispute just recently with a funeral home that would not allow a registered domestic partner to make decisions concerning his partner’s remains, the disposition of his remains, because they don’t understand it as being the equivalent of marriage,” she said. “And then there is that really important part – it’s not called marriage. As long as it’s not called marriage, it’s not marriage. … It’s not the same as having the same equal access, the same treatment by everyone.”

Allen said domestic partnerships provide many of the same legal benefits of marriage on taxes and property ownership, for example. But she cautioned there can be complications with an out-of-state same-sex marriage if the couple wants to dissolve the marriage or in estate planning.

Would she and her partner move to the state of Washington if the law passes?

“You bet I’m going to go across the river,” she said. “If my partner is with me on that, we’ll move. … You are going to see a lot of people, especially from the Portland metro area going there. It’s so important to have our relationships recognized. And marriage is so important.”

Even with afternoon bridge lifts and rush hour traffic over the Columbia River, Allen said none of that matters. She said the city of Portland can’t offer her what the state of Washington can.

“When you are forced to live in a state that refuses to recognize you as an equal citizen and right across the border you can be recognized, you’re going to see a lot of people moving there. It matters to be treated as an equal person and marriage is a huge piece of that. It’s not all of it, but it’s a huge piece of that,” she said.

Opponents of same-sex marriage hope to defeat Washington’s effort in a statewide vote in November.

But they have to wait until Gregoire signs the bill into law before they can begin gathering the more than 120,000 signatures they need by June 6. If they don’t get those signatures in time, gay marriage couples could start marrying in June.

Vancouver resident Ty Stober, who co-chairs Equal Rights Washington, said he’s now focusing on the fall campaign in the hope that he can one day address his partner as his husband.

“I’m really tired of having to explain to people he’s not my business partner, that he’s my life partner,” he said. “Yesterday was a great moment, but the reality is we know that those who are opposed to us are going to be able to get the signatures and put this on the ballot.”

Opponents of same-sex marriage are confident they can keep marriage between a man and a woman in Washington state. They point out when the issue has come up elsewhere, every other state has voted in support of the traditional definition of marriage.

Stober said he thinks Washington voters can and will be the first state to back legalized same-sex marriage on Election Day. And he thinks the conversation alone will help future efforts to do the same in Oregon.

Q Center Winter Gala 2012 – Never Out of Style is pleased to have partnered with a new host hotel this year, Hotel Deluxe! They have secured special rates and deals for all of our gala attendees who choose to partake!

Click HERE for more info & tickets to the party!

Host Hotel details are as follows:

Hotel Deluxe
729 SW 15th Ave
Portland, OR 97205
“A one-of-a-kind choice among downtown Portland hotels”.

Run of House: Queen or King deluxe guestrooms $145.00 per night
Upgrade: King Feature or King premier Suite $195.00 per night
The above rates are exclusive of the current occupancy tax of 12.5%.

Just for you!

- The Special Group Rate includes high speed wireless internet.

- The Special Group Rate is available three (3) days prior and
post meeting dates.

-The Hotel deLuxe agrees to honor the above noted Guestroom
Rates based on availability. Reservation requests will be
honored until such time as the Hotel no longer has this
discounted rate available or the Hotel is sold out. If the rate is
no longer available, guests will be quoted 15% off our best
available rate available at time of reservation.

RESERVATIONS PROCEDURE
Make your guestroom reservations directly with the Hotel by calling the toll free or local reservation number and by referencing the Q Center Gala.
Toll Free 866-986-8095 | Local 503-219-2094

FOOD AND BEVERAGE
- The Hotel will honor a pre-fix menu specially designed for all group attendees for $29+gratuity in Gracie’s Restaurant on Saturday, February 18, 2012.
- Reservations are suggested, but not required.
- The menu will be based upon seasonal and locally sourced items that will be available at that time.

MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
- The Hotel requires a porterage fee of $4.00 per bag (round trip) for all group arrivals requesting luggage assistance.
- Groups that require amenities to be delivered to any of the group guestrooms will be charged a $2.00 delivery charge per guestroom.

NON-SMOKING POLICY
If any attendee smokes in a designated non-smoking guestroom a daily cleaning fee of $500.00 will be assessed and billed to their guestroom.

For more information and directions to our Host Hotel deLuxe please visit their website HERE.

Q Center Public Relations & Innovations manager Logan Lynn had some thoughts on Washington State’s Marriage Equality bill passing in the Senate today on The Huffington Post. You can read what he had to say in the HuffPost “Gay Voices” section by clicking HERE.

This winter, Portland will enjoy an evening of elegance at the Q Center’s annual Winter Gala, one of the most highly regarded events in Portland. The Gala Committee is recruiting 6-8 individuals to transform themselves into one of the most iconic style divas of our time and join us on February 18th for an evening of fun as we raise funds for Portland’s Q Center.

Things you need to know:

• Your look is your interpretation of the Holly Golightly character from the “Breakfast at
Tiffany’s” motion picture staring Audrey Hepburn.

• You must arrive to the YU Contemporary Art Building, 800 SE 10th Ave,
no later than 5:00pm on February 18th

• You will greet VIP guests as the enter for the VIP Reception.

• Mid Way through the reception you will be asked to pose for a photo shoot on the 2nd
floor at 6:30pm. These photos will be used in the contest later that evening.

• After your photo shoot you are asked to mingle with our guest during the VIP Reception
and during the Dance later that evening. During this time you will help promote the
silent auction and raffle ticket sales.

• There will be a competition where the guests will vote by token on their pick of artist
who’s interpretation sparked their interest.

• You are allowed to campaign for votes during the reception and dance but not
during the program.

• For your participation you will receive VIP Ticket to the event along with the photo that
was taken of you. A prize will be award to the individual with the most votes.

• By participating in this activity you understand that you are representing the Q Center.
Alcohol should be limited until the voting and a winner is announced.

If you are interested please contact Maria Council at mariaxxxvi@aol.com

Deadline to enter is February 7th, 2012 or until all spots are filled.

Our friends and community partners over at the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court filmed a short movie about the history of the Rose Court at Q Center! Watch it here now or in person in the Aaron Hall Gallery all month long during their “It Never Goes Out Of Style” art exhibit!

Q Center Executive Director Barbara McCullough-Jones Signs SMYRC Contracts!

As of Wednesday, February 1st, SMYRC (Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center) becomes an official program of Q Center. SMYRC was previously a program of Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare. SMYRC serves approximately 700-1,000 unduplicated clients each year ranging in age 12-23. The addition of these services will help strengthen existing youth & young adult programs at Q Center while providing stability to existing SMYRC program elements. SMYRC will occupy a new satellite Q Center office located at 2406 NE Sandy Blvd, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232, beginning mid-March.

The overall goals of these programs and activities is to focus on assets which lead to higher graduation rates, academic success and career readiness in order to give queer youth and young adults the best chance of success in life. Q Center provides a safe space to support and celebrate LGBTQ diversity, visibility and community building and there is no place more important to do that than in youth and young adult communities.

“Over the past six months, Q Center’s Board of Directors engaged in a rigorous process to ensure merging the Sexual Minority Youth Resource Center (SMYRC) into Q Center was appropriate to our mission, vision and values. After months of due diligence including research and discussions with our community leaders we believe that under Q Center’s leadership and guidance, youth and young adult services delivered through Q Center will be a solid fit and will be enhanced by developing multi-level resources. We are poised to accept the responsibility of ensuring LGBTQ youth and young adults have a positive, empowering environment in which to grow and learn.”
-Jim Taff, Chair, Q Center Board of Directors

Q Center has worked diligently with Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare, Washington & Multnomah County officials, and SMYRC staff & youth to ensure a smooth transition. The merger adds approximately $190,000 to Q Center’s annual budget adding three full time positions to Q Center’s existing three full time professional staff. Nearly 30% of expected revenue is projected to include private donations and a nominal amount of training fees. Remaining revenue is derived from contracted government services. Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare will remain a partner in this project by providing counseling services currently offered through SMYRC.

“Cascadia enthusiastically supports the merger of SMYRC into Q Center. We believe that the mission and vision of both entities complement one another and will lead to a stronger organization. As a united organization serving the LGBTQ community of all ages, we hope that Q Center and SMYRC will receive the outpouring of well-deserved community support. Cascadia will maintain a partnership with Q Center to ensure that the LGBTQ youth and adults will receive culturally relevant counseling services. “
-Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare

Moving forward, Q Center will maintain youth and young adult services that include activities such as SMYRC drop-in center, “Bridge 13″ cultural competency training and social events designed by and for youth and young adults. Q Center will also manage the Washington County Pride Project. This program includes peer and professionally led social and support groups, 1-on-1 resource discussions for adults, families & schools, and social networking opportunities for youth & young adults 14-21 in Beaverton, Hillsboro & Sherwood. The overall goals of these programs and activities are to focus on assets which lead to higher graduation rates, academic success and career readiness.

“I am very thankful for the Q-Center’s interest in supporting our center. Our vision is to honor and support the power of LGBTQ youth to change the world. This vision has inspired me to be a better human being, and it has done the same for many others. I hope that as we transition with the Q-Center, it will do it’s best to support our legacy of LGBTQ youth empowerment. It’s a very important part of our culture at SMYRC.
-Giovanni McKenzie, SMYRC youth

Q Center has retained Miranda May in an interim role to assist with transition logistics and provide guidance to ensure there is no interruption of services during the transition. May is a counselor in private practice, has been working with Q Center’s “We Are Here” youth & young adult program and is a former SMYRC Intern.

“Q Center recognizes the important contributions made by our youth and young adults. In doing so, we are stepping up to ensure LGBTQ youth and young adults have the support they need to achieve a stable living environment, have a pathway to educational excellence and career opportunities that help them thrive in an ever changing world. With deep commitment of our combined professional staff, we are here to engage, challenge, grow and support and look forward to working with community partners, donors and businesses to ensure a bright future for Oregon’s LGBTQ youth and young adults.”
-Barbara McCullough-Jones, Q Center Executive Director

As community members, Q Center encourages you to do whatever you can to help with this process, be it volunteering your time or making a financial or donation of goods and services such as the following needed items: free standing clothing racks, shoe racks, five 6’ folding tables, 2 couches, 2 loveseats, chalk paint, 3 rugs, a stage, a sound system, computers, new digital & movie cameras, games, DVDs, books, food, gift cards and more. If you would like to help out or make a donation, please contact Miranda May – Miranda@pdxQcenter.org.

For more information about Q Center, visit pdxQcenter.org
For more information about SMYRC, visit SMYRC.org

Press Contact: Logan Lynn
(503) 234-7837
Public Relations Manager
Logan@pdxQcenter.org

Portland, Oregon – Saturday, January 28, 2012

Today, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan released the following statement at the annual National Lesbian & Gay Task Force Creating Change conference.“Today, I am proud to announce a new Equal Access to Housing Rule that says clearly and unequivocally that LGBT individuals and couples have the right to live where they choose.”

Barbara McCullough-Jones, executive director of Q Center applauds today’s announcement and reflects on its impact to Oregon’s LGBT families.

“Today is another historic day in America as protections in a family’s most fundamental needs – housing – are extended to LGBT families. By creating and implementing the new rule which ensures equal access to HUD-funded housing resources, LGBT families can now secure our home, anywhere we choose to live.

It is essential though we understand that rule implementation is only the first step. We must also continue our diligent work to change hearts and minds, for that is where the most damaging discrimination resides,” added McCullough-Jones.

In announcing the rule, Secretary Donovan explains three primary elements of the rule, “first and foremost, this rule includes a new equal access provision that prohibits owners and operators of HUD-funded housing, or housing whose financing we insure, from inquiring about an applicant’s sexual orientation or gender identity or denying housing on that basis.

Secondly, this rule makes clear that LGBT families, like the DeShanes, are eligible for HUD’s public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs that collectively serve 5.5 million people.

Third, the rule also makes clear that sexual orientation and gender identity should not and cannot be part of any lending decision when it comes to getting a mortgage insured by the FHA – part of HUD.”

The rule will take effect 30-days after publication in the Federal Register which is slated for next week.To read Secretary Donovan’s full remarks please visit HUD website at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/speeches_remarks_statements/2012/Speech_01282012.

Come visit Q Center’s booth at Rainbow Wedding Network’s Portland Gay & Lesbian Wedding Expo!

Sunday February 19, 2012
12:30pm-3:30pm
Red Lion Hotel Portland – Convention Center
1021 NE Grand Avenue
Portland, OR 97232

FREE Tickets are available HERE.

Q Center’s Queer Heroes NW project celebrates the achievements of 30 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or allied individuals or couples, living or deceased, who have helped our local movement progress. Each day during Pride month (June), a new LGBTQ hero will be featured with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images and other resources online. Photos and bios of the 30 heroes will also be on display as part of a gallery show at Q Center for the month of June.

To nominate your queer heroes, please CLICK HERE.

All nominations are due by March 1st. The Queer Heroes NW committee in partnership with Q Center and GLAPN (Gay & Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest) will be making the selections for this year’s project.

Any or all of the following criteria apply to all award nominees:

Think big. These nominations should represent the diversity of our community. The movement is made up of many parts, as is our community. We are paying respect to all types of people; Artists, Politicians, Teachers, Musicians, Community Leaders, Individuals…you name it!

For additional information about Queer Heroes NW please email heroes@glapn.org

For press and interview requests please email Q Center Public Relations Manager Logan Lynn at Logan@pdxQcenter.org

Thank you for your participation in the 2012 Queer Heroes NW project!