Dale Hottle: Why I Walk

Why I walk...

My story began 13 years ago as a boy, raised in a conservative home and barely out to himself. A good friend disclosed to me that he had recently tested HIV positive. I was shell-shocked, frozen. I only knew HIV/AIDS as a death sentence--and one that only “wrongdoers” could be afflicted with. My own fear and ignorance were my shield and my sword that night, and they cut me from my friend. I silently turned my back on him and walked away. I will forever regret that moment.

I started volunteering with the Colorado AIDS Project a year later--and when I moved, I continued, volunteering with the Utah AIDS Foundation and then Cascade AIDS Project. My motto became “if I can reach out and make a difference to one person then everything is worth it.” I wanted to raise awareness and hopefully prevent someone from shunning another the way that I had in my ignorance. That friendship--a person to laugh, cry and smile with--can make a big difference to someone living with HIV/AIDS, a lesson that I learned well over time.

I tested positive three years ago and it fractured my life. While I had advocated ending the stigma to others, I still harbored it within myself. This great hypocrisy could have destroyed me--and nearly did. I resorted to drinking and shoved my friends away, isolating myself; I was so fearful that others might shun me that I alienated them from myself first.

Then, two strangers that I had only recently met became my guardian angels. They helped me turn my life back around, so that I could see past the disease to a life beyond. I was fortunate enough to receive the gift of understanding that I had once denied my friend. I can only be hopeful that he and others will be as lucky as I was.

So why do I walk? Well, the short answer is selfish: to find a cure and end the stigma that surrounds the disease.

But the long answer is that I walk for a cure to end this pandemic. I walk to educate others so that they may protect themselves and be accepting when someone else imparts their status. I walk to say thank you to the guardian angels that have provided aid and support for me and so many others through our darkest hours. Finally, I walk for Aric, the friend that started this journey; he changed my life in more ways than he will ever realize.

Upcoming Events from and in support of CAP

Underwear Fashion Show and Auction
The Church of the Poison Mind at Silverado is offering an opportunity to "worship" early during beer bust—all in an effort to raise money for Cascade AIDS Project's testing and prevention programs.

Here's the deal: April 3^rd, from 4PM to 6PM, 15 models will strut down the runway in 15 different pairs of underwear. You can enjoy the drink specials while you bid for the underwear they are wearing. There is no cover charge to get in.

Models will be both familiar and new, as we have some who have never walked the Silverado Stage before and others who are Silverado favorites.

So join the Church of the Poison Mind on April 3rd and help raise donations (and a glass) to CAP!

Coming up on Saturday, April 16^th is the 11^th Annual Red Dress Party, starting at 8PM. This year, proceeds from ticket sales will be donated in part to CAP’s Pivot.

The party will be taking place at 535 NW 10th Ave (cross street is Hoyt Street). VIP admission will be at 8pm, and general admission at 9pm.

Tickets are available by cash or check at Funny Bone (617 SW Washington, 503-241-0455) and Starky’s (2913 SE Stark, 503-230-7980), or online at www.reddresspdx.com.

Follow the party on facebook!

CAP Art Auction; Honoring 25 Years: 1985-2010

Saturday, April 30, 2011
6:00PM – Patron Event Begins ($250 per ticket)
8:00PM – Grand Event Begins ($100 per ticket)

This year, the Memorial Coliseum at the Rose Quarter in NE Portland will host this special event. The spacious concourse of the coliseum, flanked by glass walls looking out at downtown Portland, provides the perfect space for the Grand Event and its silent Auction, while the seated Patron Dinner for over 600 individuals takes place in the Bowl of the Coliseum.

On Saturday, April 30, 2011, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) will host the Annual Art Auction as we honor the organization’s 25th anniversary since incorporating.

Over the past 22 years, this iconic event has brought over 1,000 artists, galleries, patrons, and community leaders together each year with the goal of raising much-needed funds for the essential programs and services CAP provides.  Considered by many to be one of Portland’s keystone fundraisers, this event was created by the local arts community in 1989 to raise funds in the fight against HIV/AIDS.  The Grand Event ($100/person) includes a salon-style silent auction of 280 artworks along with sweets and savories provided by 20 of Portland’s best food purveyors.  The Patron Dinner ($250/person) includes attendance at the Grand Event plus special entertainment, a gourmet meal, and an exclusive live auction featuring 15 of the most outstanding artworks donated by prominent artists.

All funds raised support the vital work of Cascade AIDS Project. Our mission is to prevent new HIV infections, support and empower people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, and eliminate HIV/AIDS-related stigma.

For more information or to RSVP, please visit the Art Auction website.

Portland LGBTQ Expo
April 29 - May 1, 2011
Portland LGBTQ Expo
$0.50 of every ticket purchased will benefit CAP!

The Portland LGBTQ Expo is a new opportunity for LGBTQ-positive companies to reach out and interact with the community. It will feature hundreds of businesses with products and services in all areas of business including: Travel, Fashion, Fitness, Health, Autos, Home Improvement, Jewelry, Art, Entertainment, Legal, Real Estate, Food & Beverage, Retirement, Education, Home Office, Electronics, Personal Services, and much more!

In addition to the wonderful exhibitors, the Portland LGBTQ Expo will also be featuring other activities:

• Speakers & Seminars
• Wine, Beer, & Spirits Lounge
• Fashion Show
• Music, Entertainment, & more

IRON MARY!

The competition starts May 3rd at 7PM at Hamburger Mary’s, 19 NW 5th Avenue, and will run for 13 weeks. Cascade AIDS Project will be a beneficiary. Read on for more info or go to the Facebook Event page.

From Hamburger Mary:
"I can’t believe it has already been five months since I opened my doors in Portland. Now this is not my first time to visit the beautiful Rose City. As you may already know I have a history with P-town that stretches back to the '80s and into the '90s, and I loved every minute of it. Some even go on to say that my home was a Portland institution. Well that’s what I aim to make it again. It has been a fabulous journey thus far and ... I just love all the warm welcomes. It is my goal to serve great food and drink in a warm, welcoming, safe, and friendly environment. It is my passion to help those striving to make a difference in the community. This is why I encourage you to read more as I introduce to you our new annual competition, called the 'Iron Mary.'

Now sweet pea I assure you this is no ordinary competition where someone bedazzles a burger with glamorous toppings and wins a prize at one fell swoop. This is a competition riddled with challenges meant to test one’s capacity to turn ordinary food into something legendary while reaching out to the community. I have teamed up with Cascade AIDS Project, who has sprinkled this competition with challenges meant to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic, which affects us all. These challenges sure look fun for all involved, let me tell you!!

This year's Iron Mary will receive a cash prize of $2,000.00, and I will feature the winning burger on my menu for a year. Fifty cents of every Iron Mary burger sold within said year will be donated to CAP. This will be a fun competition for all, and I truly look forward to my amazing future with Portland.

If you are still interested in participating here’s what you need to know. Hamburger Mary’s and Cascade AIDS Project will begin searching for the challengers on April 15, 2011 and end the search on April 29, 2011. Challengers will be asked to submit a forty-five (45) second video. Please introduce yourself while cooking your favorite dish and telling us, 'the viewers,' why you should be the next Iron Mary. It will be necessary for you to submit your video via www.facebook.com/pdxmarys or to pdx@hamburgermarys.com no later than 11:59pm April 12, 2011. Any videos submitted after deadline will not be reviewed. Hamburger Mary’s will upload each video to Youtube.com. The twelve challengers will be selected based on the number of views their application video receives."

Support CAP for the Holidays!

Wanna support Cascade AIDS Project this holiday season? Here are some great ways you can!

Willamette Week's Holiday Give Guide
As usual, Willamette Week has released its Give Guide, a great way for you to support local organizations. You can give in the name of another person or in your own name. Donors who give more than $50 get some pretty swanky prizes, along with the knowledge that they are helping our community do good work for those that need it most! Read more about the non-profits in the Give Guide here and go here to donate.

Wrap Up at Red Star
Through December 26th, bring your presents to Red Star Tavern any Saturday or Sunday from 12-3 pm, and CAP's lovely staff and volunteers will wrap them for you! For a $5 donation, you can get your gifts wrapped and support the work we do. Enjoy some food or a drink in the warmth of Red Star, while we take care of the hassle of wrapping. The flier is here.

Styx Guitar Auction
Know someone who loves guitars? We are auctioning off a Squier Fender electric guitar autographed by all six members of the band Styx! The guitar comes with a certificate of authenticity and a promotional poster for the Styx+REO Speedwagon performance at the Memorial Coliseum on March 30th, 2002. The eBay auction is here--there are only 32 hours left, so hurry!

Legendary Ladies of Country
The Fox & Hounds' 3rd Anniversary Show & Country Dinner is sure to be a hit, with cocktails & dinner at 6 pm. There will be Country Dinner specials, drink specials, and raffle prize giveaways. The show starts at 7 pm. Attendees are asked to bring a can or two of non-perishable food to donate to Esther's Pantry, and proceeds from the night benefit Cascade AIDS Project, House of Dreams and Family Dogs New Life Shelter. The flier is here.

Scandals Giving Tree and LAVISH
December 9th at 9 pm and December 16th at 7 pm, come on down to Scandals for The Giving Tree, hosted by the gorgeous Miss Mylar! Buy a ticket for $2 to pull an ornament from the tree or buy 6 tickets for $5 for to pull 6 ornaments from the tree. Each ornament will have the words 'grab bag' or the name of a sponsor on it, and you win the corresponding prize!
Join us on New Year's Eve (December 31st) for LAVISH! Doors open at 7 pm, and the party will go until 2 in the morning. It's $10 for general admission or $50 for the VIP treatment, with a hosted bar and hors d'oeuvres. There will also be an auction, and ticket sales support CAP!
Both of these fantabulous events are benefits for Camp Starlight and CAP's Youth and Family Services—thanks, Scandals!

Unfortunate Trend: Decline in Media Coverage of HIV-AIDS

On December 3rd, Businessweek ran the following story: Dramatic Decline Seen in AIDS News Coverage

According to the study that prompted the article, "Media coverage of HIV/AIDS fell more than 70 percent in developed countries over the last two decades, [most notably] in American and French newspapers[...]" the article goes on to note that "[while] media coverage of HIV/AIDS has decreased in some nations, coverage has remained at a high level or increased in areas hardest hit by the AIDS pandemic, such as South Africa."

As is the case with many of the important issues facing us today, this disease is a daily reality for millions around the world, yet it is being largely ignored by those who could do the most good. In 2009, it was estimated that as many as 35 million people world-wide were infected with HIV/AIDS.

This is not something that will go away if we ignore. 1 in 5 people infected with HIV is unaware of their status. Every 9.5 minutes, another person in the United States is infected with the virus. We need to stand together to keep each other safe and healthy.

President Obama recently released a national strategy to combat HIV/AIDS in our communities. The Oregon legislature recently mandated that human sexuality education in schools must be medically accurate, age appropriate and comprehensive, teaching youth how to be safe if they are sexually active. We are taking steps to stop the spread of the virus, but we have more to take. One of those is to remember that this is not an issue we can let fall by the wayside. Awareness is necessary to end the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS, to increase access to medical care for all those infected or at-risk of infection, and to prevent the spread of the virus. Perhaps someday we will even find a cure--but not if we stop looking.

"The vast majority of HIV/AIDS research occurs in the developed nations, so the apparent lack of interest in those countries may harm efforts to find ways to fight the spreading AIDS pandemic in developing nations, the researchers said."

 We all need to be leaders in this. Many people look at the lack of reporting and take it to mean that instances of infection are declining; they aren't. They should be, and we can ensure that they do by educating ourselves and each other on the facts, practicing safe sex and getting tested.

CAP Employees in Just Out!

Two of our amazing employees are in this week's Just Out:

First, go to page 13 to the NW News: In Brief; there you'll read about Eowyn Wood's second novel being picked as a finalist for the National Best Books 2010 Award. (You can also read about that here online--scroll down.)

Then, on page 19 you can discover more about Michael Anderson-Nathe's experience being part of the "only gay Jewish-Vietnamese adoptive family in Portland." (That one can be found here online--again, scroll-down.)

Hotel Monaco's Red Ribbon Party for CAP!

On December 1st 2010– around the world and throughout the United States – communities will come together to mark the 22nd Annual World AIDS Day. Take time to ensure we not only recognize the 25 million individuals lost to HIV and AIDS, but the 33 million global citizens living with the HIV virus today and appreciate the work of so many fighting the disease as allies, advocates, lovers, families and supporters!

HIV/ AIDS affects 1.2 million Americans; a little over 7,000 in Oregon are living with the virus and there are a little over 300 new infections in Oregon annually.  New infection rates have not decreased in over a decade.   Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is here to help those in need and those at risk.

As a part of this day ,  Hotel Monaco of Portland will open its doors to CAP and our friends at 7PM for the Red Ribbon Party, an awareness and friend-raising event in honor of World AIDS Day and CAP.  This is a Hotel Monaco produced event and a part of the Kimpton Hotel’s commitment to help  fight HIV/AIDS.

Join us for a night of fun including:

• Special entertainment provided by Poison Waters
• DJ Pony will be spinning
• Drag Queen Bingo ($5 per card) with some fabulous travel-related plush-ness as prizes (robes, nights away at Kimpton Properties, wine tasting, etc)
• Red Ribbon Clothed and Painted men selling your chance to be a winner!  Raffle prizes are offered in the same theme as Bingo prizes
• Live auction with  more than a dozen items including weekend stays at hotels across the country (many including airfare or train tickets).  These are BIG prizes!  Imagine Miami, New York, San Diego, Scottsdale!
• Red Ribbon Ice Luge - Charity cosmos - Beer from the Oregon Brewers Guild- Sokol Blosser Wine - Appetizers from Red Star.

ALL proceeds benefit Cascade AIDS Project.

Admission is free and includes complimentary appetizers from Red Star so invite anyone you think would enjoy the evening.   Additionally, cocktails made with Belvedere spirits, Wine from Sokol Blosser and local beers from the Oregon Brewers Guild (wristbands for 3 drinks is $20). All proceeds from the evening will be donated to CAP, Oregon's largest AIDS service organization.

Other World AIDS Day events are happening throughout the day and can be viewed at www.worldaidsdaynw.org

CAP: Looking Forward

Thanks so much to everyone who came out to support us at AIDS Walk. If you couldn’t make it, we missed you—but there are some other wonderful and fun events coming up that we’d love to see you at!

On Monday, November 22nd, Wilf’s Restaurant and the Sparks Group are hosting A Christmas to Remember. This event will kick off your holiday season with a Christmas scene including cocktails and live music. The night starts at 5.00 pm and is a benefit for Camp Starlight. More information can be found here—don’t forget to RSVP! If you can’t make the event, stop by any time in December. Proceeds from select food items and drinks will benefit Camp Starlight!

December 1st is World AIDS Day, and there are events all over Oregon. The Hotel Monaco is hosting the Red Ribbon Party, a fundraiser for Cascade AIDS Project emceed by Poison Waters. With bingo, a live auction and a raffle, it’s sure to be a great time! More information available here. There will be a breakfast at EMO HIV Day Center, a soup supper in Lincoln City and a healing service in Beaverton. More details—and other events—can be found at the World AIDS Day NW website.

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!

Volunteers and CAP!

Last fiscal year, CAP volunteers gave over 21,000 hours of their time. This time has been estimated to be worth $550,000! Volunteers serve in our office and programs, and at events. They are an invaluable resource; without volunteers, some of our wonderful programs—like the Oregon AIDS/STD Hotline—wouldn’t even exist.

The state of Oregon has been ranked 11th in the nation for percentage of residents who volunteer for an organization. The city of Portland was ranked 2nd! We are so lucky to benefit from living in a place full of such engaged, active people.

How can YOU help (and win a massage!)?
Volunteer now and make a difference for years to come! CAP is gathering signatures for a petition to be listed on the Charitable Checkoff list that goes out with your Oregon tax return. We need 10,000 valid signatures and AIDS Walk is our best chance to get them. Training is offered for signature gathering volunteers.

There are two chances to help next week:

• Pink Party Bar Crawl, Wednesday, Sept 29 from 6 to 11pm. Meet at CAP at 6pm. Volunteers will get a t-shirt, pink boa & drink ticket.
  
• AIDS Walk Portland, Sunday, Oct 3 from 7:30am to 12:30pm. Meet at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Volunteers will get a t-shirt, pedometer, water bottle and Nike duffel bag.

Anyone who joins us as a Signature Gatherer at the Bar Crawl or AIDS Walk Portland will be entered into a raffle for a $50 gift certificate at Coldwater Creek Spa. We estimate 30 volunteers, so the odds are good!

Want to volunteer, but can’t for the AIDS Walk?
No problem—we’d still love to have you! The first step prospective volunteers should take is to attend a Volunteer Orientation. The next one is Tuesday October 5th—if that date doesn’t work for you, you can find one that will on CAP’s agency calendar.

Contact Volunteer Coordinator Marc Kochanski to sign up at mkochanski@cascadeaids.org.

AIDS Walk Portland 2010...

...is this weekend! 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!