Weekend Happenings

This week we’ve been getting in touch with our inner artists, in honor of the Gallery Opening next week for First Friday. We’ve been reflecting and exploring and painting. Actually, thinking we could get used to this. You could try it for yourself this weekend or you can read on for other adventures and feel up your inner artist at the gallery!

Happening this week:

• Be the change. InQuisitive will have a special guest appearance by Kevin Jennings January 26th at 11:30am. As part of the PDX Q Center’s Education and Training program, diverse guests are invited for a Q & A with Executive Director Barbara McCullough-Jones. Bringing a lunch is recommended, but beverages will be provided. Early registration is available here.
• Mercy Corps hosts the official launch party for Feminist Agendatonight,
  

  Image courtesy of Stanford Women

  January 26th, at 6:30pm. Free and all-ages! The event will open with screenings of “Miss Representation”, which explores the media’s misrepresentation of women and “Generation of Consolidation”, a short-film series created by Reel Grrls Seattle on media literacy. It will also be ASL interpreted and wheelchair accessible. While all ages are welcome, the 21 and up crowd will follow the showings with drink specials at Beauty Bar. Get it, guurrrrl.

• Teach me your ways! The University of Oregon and As You Like It present “Ethical Sluthood: Foundations of Nontraditional Lifestyles” at the Erb Memorial Union. The workshop will explore ethically and emotionally stable lifestyles beyond the tradition of monogamy with host and author Janet W. Hardy. The event will take place Thursday, January 26th at 7pm.

Links we loved:

• Out Magazine shares the story of how a Squamish community celebrates marriage regardless of gender. We know a few people who should take notes.
• California Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi proposes bill for the first LGBT specialized license plate. Honk if you like this!
• Kim Kardashian donates $50k to the Trevor Project. Let’s hope her commitment to the nonprofit lasts longer than her marriage.

Weekend Happenings

This week we’re- Ahh! Snow! Well. That changes everything. We’ll be hiding out indoors this weekend- You’ll have to handle all the fun for us!

Image courtesy of The Republic

Happening this week:

• The Equity Foundation will present the first annual Equity Awards this Friday, January 20th from 11:30am to 1pm at the Governor Hotel. With the support of Portland associations, the luncheon will honor Oregon and Southwest Washington businesses that embrace community diversity with remarkable hiring and employment practices. The awards emphasize promotion of social justice and equal opportunity for the LGBT community. Cue the applause.
• The Portland Metropolitan Community Church will host a community reception to meet UMCC Founder and LGBT activist Rev. Elder Troy Perry. In the (gay) Beginning kicks off at the PDX Q Centerat 6:30pm on Friday, January 20th and will be the first of a series of events hosted by MCC Portland, including a screening of “Call Me Troy” and a Sunday Sermon. Can I get a hallelujah?

• Gather ‘round for story time. Author and Therapist Reid Vanderburgh will make an appearance at the PDX Q Center this Saturday January 21st at 7pm. The book reading will include excerpts of the text, which addresses issues faced by trans individuals and their partners and families.The second edition of the work, “Transition and Beyond: Observations on Gender Identity”, will be available for sale, $34.95.

Links we loved:

• Ryan James Yezak sparked interest with a short clip covering the Gay Rights Movement. Having raised more than $85,000 with Kickstarter, we can expect to see a full length documentary.
• Neil Partick Harris tells his love story in Out Magazine.

Weekend Happenings

This weekend we’re doing our best to remind ourselves of those little, really minor, resolutions we may or may not have vowed to continue at the beginning of the year. Who’s idea was this anyway? At least we can look forward to some distractions!

Happening this week:

• Focus on Youth Photographic Art Show and Sale wraps up with its final shows this week at the PDX Q Center. The reception on Thursday, January 12th at 5pm will include more than 20 images from professional and amateur photographers along with matted works by students of Focus on Youth mentors. Swing by for a little wine, some snacks and a different perspective.
• Salt, Fire and Time will host a $30 class showcasing Gluten-Free Cooking
  

  Image courtesy of Yelp

  on a Budget at 6:30pm on Thursday, January 12th. Holistic Health Coach Eric Blair will teach you healthy and thrifty recipes that will stick to your resolutions and not to your ribs. Reserve a spot here to get in on the menu of millet, lentils, garlic-sautéed rainbow chard and baked sweet potatoes. Open wide!

• Celebrate good times! In Other Words presents Dirty Queer’s 5th year anniversary! The special celebration, at 6pm on Friday January 13th, will include mingling, open mic sessions, local treats and a fliptography booth. Door prizes will be provided courtesy of Good Margot, Alicia Shaffer from Fancy! Salon, As You Like It Pleasure Shop and Lady Scarlett. A portion of the proceeds will benefit IOW and donations are tax-deductible. Arrive early if you want to sit & contact the bookstore in advance for wheel-chair accessible seating.

Links we loved:

• A new study reveals nearly half of gay men would give up at least a year for a hot bod. What would you sacrifice for perfection?
• Kristy McNichol of 70s Family fame comes out
• Famed comic Archie gets real. The cartoon published an issue featuring the gay marriage of Archie’s friend Kevin Keller.

Taking Top 3 in Gay Travel Destinations

We at the Jupiter are avid supporters of travel. No, not just because we’re part of a superstar hotel team, but because we too like to get around. We also know that not every destination lives up to its preceding reputation and, let’s be real, no one wants to plan a getaway just to be disappointed. Everyone wants to get more for what they give, right? Right.Lucky for you, we love to give. Even luckier: we love to give to everyone. See why we took the bronze medal in Gay Travel’s Top 5 Budget Vacation Destinations. We’ve got the hotel deals for the cheap thrills you’re looking for. So go on, get all the bang for your buck!

Weekend Happenings: Resolutions Edition

Image courtesy of It Thing

We’re welcoming 2012 by resolving to be the best darn LGBT Jupiter blog we can be. We’d love to hear what resolutions you’re taking on this year (and/or what you’d like to see from us). But we’re hoping you’ve made it your goal to be the best darn followers you can be! Let’s be real, resolutions usually go out the window by Feb, but we promise to stick to it if you do.

Happening this week:

• We know Portlanders love to make it rain! The Rain Agency proposes a toast to the New Year with Art Storm! You’ll find art selections created by Rain partners, Ninkasi and cocktails, as well as music videos and live performances by Poppet. The benefit for Cascade Aids Projectstarts at 6pm on Thursday, January 5th.
  

  Image courtesy of Mich Brancs

• Homomentum dives into 2012 with its third season. Myths and Legends will bring together the best drag, performance art and camp together at the Fez Ballroom on Friday January 6th. Doors open at 7pm with a sliding scale donation of $5-10. Don’t just stand there, bust a move!

• Portland’s Feminist bookstore In Other Words presents Queer Square Dance Benefit for Books 2 Prisoners on Friday January 6th. A $5-10 suggested donation will trade food and live music to send books to people behind bars in support of self-empowerment and education. The hoedown starts at 7pm! Admit it, you’ve danced for less.

Links we loved:

• Out Magazine discusses the adventure and effects of altering sex and gender online. Like, what if you found out we were a hotel?
• The 2nd Annual Portland Queer Music Festival is now accepting applicants. Show your swag at one of the largest LGBT music fests in the NorthWest.

Weekend Happenings: New Year Edition

This week we’re taking our Christmas presents for a test drive and showing them

Image courtesy of GayRVA

off at every NYE party we can. We’ll spend the rest of the week splurging with a guilt-free conscience (which is so out of the norm, riiiight?) before we have to get our butts back in gear for the new year. Cheers to a fabulously safe New Year’s Eve and a prosperously happy New Year!Happening this week:

• Portland Hilton and Executive Tower hosts the 21st Annual Champagne Ball December 31st from 8pm until 2am. The New Year’s Eve Party includes access to four rooms, midnight snacks, champagne and party favors, as well as all night entertainment by 5 Guys Named Moe, AWOL Dance Collective and a few of Portland’s hottest DJs. The no-denim dress code requires a cocktail attire minimum. A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit the Children’s Cancer Association. The ball will drop but the bubbles will rise!

• Get your creative juices flowing for 2012. Inspire Truth: A New Year’s Eve Celebration & Ceremony will be held at Refuge PDX on December 31st from 9pm until 2am. The event will feature performances by music sensations Tipper, Dubtribe Sound System, Heyoka, Kaminanda and local faves Vagabond Opera, Solovox, Manoj & E3. Visual artists Autumn Skye Morrison and Jonathan Singer will also make a guest appearance. Get your tickets now to dance the night away and celebrate the transition into a pivotal year.

• This hotel party is not for sleeping. Hot Flash Productions presents Inferno Portland New Years Eve Party at Red Lion on the River December 31st. DJ Wildfire will rock the party all night from 8pm to 2am. Tickets are available now for early birds, late-comers and 10 person tables. Ring in the new year on the Columbia river.

Image courtesy of Out Magazine

Links we loved:

• Out Magazine lists the 15 Best Places for a Gay NYE. Can any of you vouch for one or more of these hot spots?
• Thousands of families supported Zach Wahl’s defense of marriage equality with the online video and photo campaign Love Makes a Family.
• We’re heartbroken to hear the news that Portland’s LGBT Magazine Just Out is shutting down. Thanks for a great 28 years of news, events and community support.

Weekend Happenings: Christmas Edition

This week we’re pumping out the hot cocoa by the gallon and cozying up with loved (and a little less liked) ones next to the Christmas tree. Really, we’re just trying to guess what each of the presents could be. We at the Jupiter hope your weekend is filled with only the queerest holiday cheer. Happy Holidays!

Image courtesy of Smashing Magazine

Happening this week:

• Queerlandia presents the first in a five series Dance For the End of Days at Mississippi Studios. Dance your way to the end of the world! The countdown begins tonight at 9pm. The way we see it, you might as well dance your pants off if the end is actually nigh!
• Tonight at 9pm Crush Bar will host The Island of Misfit Toys. The holiday dance party includes go-go dancers and DJs Chubby Chaser and Aurora. Admission is $3 and costumes are encouraged. Tear open that wrapping paper and show those elves how the misfits get down.
• Poison Waters, Portland’s notorious drag queen, will make a guest appearance in The Nutcracker this
  

  Image courtesy of The Wooden Wagon

  weekend, beginning with the 2pm show on Friday December 23rd at the Keller Auditorium. Hopefully she’ll break a leg and not crack… er… well, you know.

• The Don’t Ask Questions Holiday Party at Red Cap Garage takes place on Saturday, December 24th at 9pm. Hosted by Samuel Thomas, it’s a holiday fete for lovers and friends, no questions asked!

Links we loved:

• Gay films and tourism flourish in Tel Aviv. Are you picking up the Gay Vibe they’re putting down?
• Out Magazine completes its list of The 50 Gayest Songs of the 1990s. Personally, we think they’re too legit to quit.
• A federal court ruled that Augusta State University in Georgia was within its rights to request that a counselor leave her anti-gay biases out of advising sessions. School is now in session.

Weekend Happenings

Image courtesy of sfquppsala

This week we’re whipping out our Ugly Sweaters and attending all the Holiday parties we can, invite or not.

Happening this week:

• Hallelujah, it’s raining babes! Tonight at Fox and Hound Portland’s Own Legendary Ladies will present the 4th Anniversary Holiday Revue: Babes in Barland! The show, which benefits Esther’s Pantry, House of Dreams and The Pixie Project, will come stock with a Christmas raffle and famed ugly sweater contest. Festivities kick off around 8 for the cost of a donated canned good.
• PDX Q Center is putting on the 5th annual Queer Christmas Variety Show on Saturday, December 17th. Hosted by Fannie Mae Darling and Splendora Gabor, the event will shed a humorous light on all things holiday. Get your tickets in advance for the 8pm show. You won’t get coal for being naughty here.
• Get caught up Willamette creek (with a paddle). OutKayakingis planning
  

  Image courtesy of Portland Bridges

  a special paddle to get a close-up of the Christmas Ship Parade this Sunday, December 18th. Kayakers will meet under the Hawthorne Bridge in Downtown Portland at 3:30 and socialize at Crush for the after party.

Links we loved:

• Leave it to Out Magazine to compile a list of the 25 Gayest Christmas Songs Ever. It’s sure to spike your holiday cheer.
• Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop of the Episcopal Church, refers to Rick Perry’s controversial ad as “infuriating” in a response with The Washington Post. Sounds like somebody owes a couple Hail Marys.

Weekend Happenings

Image coutresy of Clip Art Guide

It’s beginning to look (and feel) a lot like Christmas! We’re prepping for the holiday hustle this week and obsesively checking the weather for the snowstorm we’re sure is en route. Til then we’re warming up to the holiday music selection and giggling while everyone else struggles with Christmas decorations.

Happening this week:

• The PDX Q Center and Portland Playhouse partner to bring Tony Kushner’s ANGELS IN AMERICA: Millinneum Approaches. The show, which follows a variety of characters through the landscape of an uncertain American future, will make its premiere at The World Trade Center Theatre Thursday December 8th at 7:30. Break a leg!
• Crush is hosting Jingle Ball, a happenin’ holiday sweater party Friday
  

  Image courtesy of Sauce Hockey

  December 9th. Celebrate the most wonderful time of year with dancing, drinks, and darn ugly sweaters. The festivities kick off at 8pm and will include a prize for the best sweater. At least you won’t have to worry about what to wear.

• Ho ho ho! Santa Claus makes an early stop at the Portland Q Center! Sponsored by Helen’s Pacific Costumes, Jolly ol’ Saint Nick will be present for photos from 12-3pm on Sunday December 11th. For $3 and a can of nonperishable food you can make a Christmas memory.

Links we loved:

• Controversial comic Rosie O’Donnell settles down. The talk show host proposed to girlfriend Michelle Rounds. Guess she liked it so she put a ring on it.
• Tradition shmadition! Secretary of State Hilary Clinton defends LGBT rightsagainst the excuse of cultural tradition.
  

  Image courtesy of GLAPN

• The 1999 Gay Portland Walking Tour Guide is now available online. Secretary of the Gay & Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest Robin Will says the document is “without equal in Pacific Northwest Queer History.” And to my right we have awesomeness.

Weekend Happenings: World AIDS Day Edition

This week we’re turning our attention to the 23rd Annual World AIDS Day. The global health day is designed to bring awareness to the fight against HIV and support those living with the virus, as well as commemorate those who lost their fight. Portland, being the supportive city that it is, will be hosting a series of events for the local community. If there was ever a time we wanted to be in more than one place at once, this is it!

Image Courtesy WorldAIDSDayNW

• The PDX Q Center will present a Living Vigil: 30 years of HIV tonight at 6:30pm. Hosted by Ben Brown Jr., the annual event encourages its audience to stay well and keep up the fight for health and justice. Doors open at 6:30 and is free to the public. Get up, stand up, don’t give up the fight.
  

  Image courtesy of Rotary Scholar

• The Mercy Corps Action Center is hosting What’s New in HIV symposium. National Minority AIDS Council Executive Director Paul Kawata will present the latest information regarding HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment. The presentation, which will include time for networking, will take place from 5pm to 7pm Thursday December 1st. Learn what’s new so you can know what’s next.
• Get your fill of food, information and remembrance. Gaymaleiam is hosting a Remembrance Brunch from 11am to 1pm on Thursday December 1st. There will be coffee, sweets, informational brochures and a commemorative table. Monetary and nonperishable food donations are appreciated.

Links we loved:

• 

  Image courtesy of Out.com

  Ahhhh freak out! Out Magazine compiled a list of the 25 gayest songs of the 80’s.

• Hear ye, hear ye! Vermont appoints first openly lesbian Supreme Court Justice, Beth Robinson.
• We Were Here, the acclaimed AIDS documentary, is reportedly being considered for Academy Award nomination. Drum roll, please.