Spirit Day 2010

(Trigger warning for discussions of suicide, homophobia and assault)

Tyler Clementi
Raymond Chase
Justin Aaberg
Zach Harrington
Seth Walsh
Billy Lucas
Asher Brown

In recent weeks, the media worldwide has shocked with news of seven suicides by young victims of homophobic bullying. In Canada, a lesbian couple committed suicide together. In New York, 11 young gang members allegedly cornered and tortured 3 gay men. Gubernatorial hopeful Carl Paladino read a homophobic speech. Elder Boyd Packer stated that G-d would never create gay people.

How do we support youth when vocal church leaders and politicians undermine our efforts at every step? It is even harder to know that this is not a new trend or "rise" in the number of suicides. This happens all over every day, and we don't hear about most of them, these youth who've been pushed beyond the edge of what they could endure.

POZ magazine recently had a feature on the ex-gay movement and how it unintentionally leads to increased risk of HIV infection. How do we combat that? Groups like that often fight comprehensive sexuality education and promote shame and self-loathing among questioning teens. When you are questioning your sexual orientation or gender identity and your counselor tells you that you can pray it away--or that if you just try hard enough, you can stop being something "unnatural"--how horrible will you feel if you fail?

The sad reality is that government is not always willing to stand with us on this issue. Some places are better than others, but there has been a distinct lack of repercussions in several of the communities where this bullying took place. Schools refusing to change policies to protect their students or standing behind homophobic statements made in student newspapers.

This is not just a "gay" issue--straight, cisgendered youth and adults suffer from the constant pressure of the heteronormative society we live in, the need to conform to societal gender standards or suffer the consequences. In 2001, Willie Houston was murdered while out celebrating his recent engagement. His fiance went to use the restroom and asked him to hold her purse. A man who saw Willie with the purse started harassing them, shouting insults and threatening them; he followed them to their car and shot Willie, who died several hours later.

In the light of all this horrific negativity and tragedy, it can be hard to respond. Education is key, and so is supportive community. That is why Spirit Day is important, but so is carrying this visibility into our daily lives. There are so many things that adults can do support youth. If you feel comfortable, come out. You can also create internships in your businesses, become a Big Brother or Sister, emphasize to your family and friends that you are queer-positive, interrupt hateful language when you hear it and hold intentional safe space wherever you are.

LGBTQQ youth are at higher risk for drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness, survival sex, victimization/harassment, contracting STIS's, dropping out, self-harm and suicide attempts. They new your help. Don't let this sense of community end with today. Stand up and speak out in defense of youth. Let them know you're an ally, that it gets better and that there are people who would miss them.

Resources for LGBTQQ youth who feel lost or need help:
The Trevor Project, a 24/7 national helpline in the United States
SMYRC, The Sexual and Gender Minority Youth Resource Center in Portland, OR
Lambert House in Seattle, WA
LYRIC in San Francisco, CA
Outside In has a Trans Clinic and ID Project, and provides services to homeless youth in Portland, OR

Resources for adults wanting to support LGBTQQ youth:
My Princess Boy, a book written by a loving mother to support her gender non-conforming child
PFLAG, Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays has chapters all over
Factsheets and posters for allies at SMYRC's website

It Gets Better Messages:

Prizes: come to the Party!

The prize presentation party is planned for October 17th from 4:30 to 6PM at our Bar Challenge Winner: Hobo’s!

Hobo’s is located at 120 NW 3rd in Old Town; it is an all-age restaurant and lounge. We will have light food, a no-host bar and entertainment. All are welcome! Stay after the party for dinner- Hobo’s has a great prime rib!

Come to Pivot tonight for...

!Concientizante!
A Celebration of Latin@ art, culture and music to commemorate National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. Come celebrate our culture, heritage and pride. All are welcome!

Free food (Latin American inspired)
Free oral rapid HIV testing

Featuring the art of....
Antonio Alcocer,
Chris Beanes,
Edgar Frias,
Kirk Rea, &
Sergio Torres

With Performances by...
El Grupo de Danza Azteca Mexica Tiahui,
Edna Vazquez,
Ballet Folklorico Lo Nuestro, &
March 4th

For more information, call 503.223.5907

TEXT "Latino" to 503-446-5056 To get a reminder of this event or for more information. *Standard Text Messaging Rates Apply

For more information about the National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, check out the NLAAD website:
http://www.nlaad.org/

The Facebook event is here! Invite your friends!

More pictures!

More photos are coming in every day! You can find shots at the following locations:
Team Photos can be found here;
General event photos are here;
NicolaMac took a lovely picture--check it out here;
TherdtheTrainer took several--look here;
QMPolly has two: one here and the other here;
Andrew Loriego has an album up here on Facebook.

Keep sharing those photos, everyone--it's lovely to see how much you all enjoyed the Walk! Thanks for coming out to AIDS Walk Portland 2010, and we'll see in the Square next year!

AIDS Walk: Films and Photos

AIDS Walk 2010 was amazing! If you have photos or films to share, we'd love to see them! Byron Beck has photos here, qPDX has a set here.

Some FAQs for the Walk!

Registration will be available at the Walk starting at 9.00AM--just go to the registration tent and volunteers will help you! Registration is free, and t-shirts are free to Walkers who fundraise $100 or more. Donations will be accepted at the registration tent. Please register even if you are not raising funds--we'd like to know who was there!

There will be a Kid's Corner with activities for children and youth, so bring the whole family! Face painting, story telling and other fun hands-on activities will provide children with fun memories of the day. Pets are welcome, too, and there will be water bowls along the route. There will be Hydration Stations along the route for Walkers, and a complimentary breakfast in the Square starting at 9.00AM. Teams can have a photo taken together!

The 2.5 mi Walk route will begin at Pioneer Courthouse Square, proceed down SW Salmon Street to 4th Avenue, down SW 4th Avenue to NW Couch Street, Down NW 3rd to Flanders, Up NW Flanders to NW 9th Avenue, Down NW 9th Avenue to NW Johnson Street, up NW Johnson Street to NW 12th Avenue, down NW 12th Street to SW Stark Street, down SW Stark Street to SW Broadway, and down SW Broadway to Pioneer Courthouse Square. A map is available here. The route is flat and completely accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. Entertainment will continue in the Square for those who are not Walking the route.

We hope to see you there. Get your friends to come along, because it is not too late to get involved. Registration is free! The route is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and leashed dogs are welcome.

Talk the Walk and help us end stigma in our community! Call us at 503.223.9255 or email aidswalkportland@cascadeaids.org if you have any further questions. Thank you so much for supporting us, and we’ll see you at the Walk!