Gay-Bashing Discussion Forum

Over this past Memorial Day weekend, friends and members of our LGBTQ community were assaulted and gay-bashed. Victims of the assault filed a police report, and, even now, further investigations continue into other alleged similar incidents that occurred over this past weekend.

In order to facilitate a frank, open discussion about how to handle escalating violence against members of our community, we aim to present an open discussion/dialogue about the following: what to do if you find yourself in such a situation; suggestions regarding how to handle yourself; how to effectively work with Portland Police. Additionally, we will examine what exactly is a hate crime (defined by current law), how to report a hate crime, and what we as a community can do to help prevent hate crimes.

This is an open, public gathering that includes members of our community, along with LGBTQ leaders and leaders from the city and local government, including representatives from the Oregon Department of Justice and The Multnomah County District Attorney’s office. This is a tremendous opportunity to empower our community with knowledge and by taking tangible action. Executive Director Kendall Clawson of Q Center,  Oregon’s only building-based LGBTQ community center said “It is important for the LGBTQ community and its allies to know that there is a safe place for gatherings such as this to take place. In times when we are attacked on our own streets, there is tremendous value in coming together to highlight, inform, and find solutions to violence in our communities.”

We encourage any concerned citizens interested in listening and contributing to attend; come prepared to contribute, to listen, to simply be present.

All are welcome. The discussion forum, which begins at 7pm, is hosted by Stephen Cassell of Cassell Communications and Daniel Borgen Just Out Columnist.

Questions, contact Stephen@Cassellcommunications.com

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