GLAPN's Timeline
The GLAPN Organizational Timeline
Last updated April 1, 2020
Edited by Robin Will
With suggested input from George T. Nicola
The purpose of this article is to track and publicize some of the accomplishments of the Gay & Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest (GLAPN). It is important that we do that to give our output credibility which is necessary for us to communicate our important message.
In the parenthetical string at the end of each item, when there are two entries, the first portion is generally the major source of the information, the last portion is generally the last name of the person who suggested the input. However, the last name might also be the source of some of the info based on personal experience. And when there is only a last name, that is the sole source of the information based on personal experience. The full name for any of these contributors can be found near the top of this article.
You may comment or suggest input to this article at info@glapn.org.
1994
The Gay & Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest (GLAPN) is founded by Thomas Cook, Jeanine Wittcke, Pat Young, and others. Its purpose is to serve the greater public interest in advancing the visibility of sexual minority cultural history within the Pacific Northwest. Archival material is entrusted at the Oregon Historical Society which has the capacity and funding to perform a function that extensive. (http://glapn.org/1000about.html, Nicola)
1999
GLAPN produces its 1999 Portland Gay History Walking Tour. It is eventually published on GLAPN’s web site. The article describes itself as a “guide to historic gay, lesbian, and transgender buildings and locations in Downtown Portland”. Its primary author is GLAPN cofounder Thomas Cook. It is revised in 2011 by gay historian George Painter. (http://glapn.org/6045walkingtour.html. Nicola)
2000
Portland State University starts its LGBT Capstone class. The first instructor is women’s study professor Anne Mussey. The second is Christa Orth. The most reason is GLAPNite Pat Young. The students are assigned to do oral interviews of certain Portland area LGBTQ people. The students record their interviews, then transcribe them. The recordings and transcriptions are eventually placed in GLAPN’s archives at in the Oregon Historical Society. (http://glapn.org/1002capstone.html, Nicola)
2006
GLAPNite David “Dave” Grant Kohl publishes his book A Curious and Peculiar People: A History of the Metropolitan Community Church in Portland and the Sexual Minority Communities of Northwest Oregon. Its publisher is GLAPNite Suzanne Deakins. Dave originally intended it to be a history of the Metropolitan Community Church in Portland. Although it covers that well, it ends up being the major history book to date on the LGBTQ communities of Northwest Oregon. (https://www.amazon.com/Curious-Peculiar-People-David-Grant/dp/1893075540, Nicola)
2008
GLAPN begins to produce a series of panel presentation called Our Stories. Almost all are planned and moderated by GLAPNite Dave Kohl and are held at Portland’s Q Center. The first of these is early in the year and is titled “Our Stories: Pioneers in Oregon’s fight for gay rights”. Dave Kohl recruits a group of Oregon LGBTQ and ally movement pioneers for the panel. Dave explains in an email that for these panels he was able to assemble people as the result of personal interviews he had made in researching his book A Curious and Peculiar People. “It was due to these individual personal interviews that the book contains so many anecdotes and episodic stories, involving the church's position as a central meeting place for the fledgling Gay/Lesbian communities during from its founding in the mid-1970s through the AIDS crisis and political turmoil of the ballot measures.
(http://glapn.org/1004pioneers.html, Nicola)
2009
GLAPN produces panel discussion “Our Stories: A Quarter-Century of AIDS” in March. Members of the caregiving community and long-time HIV survivors discuss changes in their lives and their community since the discovery of the virus. In October, GLAPN produces panel discussion "Our Stories: Coming Out/Making Waves”. “Eight individuals share their own tales about coming out and making a stand on gay and lesbian rights. Their own lives were altered; but the actions they took with and for the GLBTQ community have made a difference to hundreds of other lives.” (http://glapn.org/1003ourstories.html, Nicola)
2009
GLAPN produces panel discussions “Our Stories: Out for Good – 40 Years After Stonewall" in May: “As part of the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, eight esteemed members of our community share their stories of how this struggle forever shaped their lives." In November, GLAPN produces two panel discussions on “Our Stories: Gender Variance”. One covers transgender women, the other transgender men. The trans panelists speak about their personal stories. (http://glapn.org/1003ourstories.html#pioneers, Nicola)
2010
GLAPN produces panel discussions “Our Stories: Finding Our Voice – the 1970s”. Four lesbians and four gay men who were activist in the early to mid-1970s discuss their experiences and reflections. Speakers include John Wilkinson, Cindy Cumfer, Susie Shepherd, Steve Fulmer, Larry Copeland, Kristan Knapp, Jean DeMaster, and George T. Nicola. (http://glapn.org/1003ourstories.html#pioneers, Nicola)
2010
Washington State University Professor Peter Boag requests information from GLAPNite George T. Nicola about early attempts at sexual orientation non-discrimination protection in Oregon. In response, George writes an article titled “Early Attempts at Oregon Gay Civil Rights”. Peter uses the content for an article in the Oregon Encyclopedia. GLAPN publishes George’s entire article on GLAPN’s web site. (http://glapn.org/6110earlyattempts.html, Nicola)
2011
GLAPN produces panel discussions “Our Stories: If it's Sunday, this must be Portland”. One panel member once ran a lesbian bar, another panel member once ran a bar that was geared toward gay men. (http://glapn.org/6110earlyattempts.html, Nicola)
2011
GLAPN produces panel discussion “Our Stories: Women's Softball” on November 5, 2011. It was “a night of stories from women who loved the sport as they shared their memories of fast-pitch during the 1960s, the Erv Lind Florists, the impact of Title IX, and the Lesbian Community Project’s annual softball tournaments.” (http://glapn.org/6110earlyattempts.html, Nicola)
2011
McMenamins, the business which has become famous for their historic buildings, asks GLAPN’s input on the building they bought that once housed the gay bar Silverado and the Portland Baths. GLAPN obliges them. (http://glapn.org/2000news.html, Nicola)
2011
A GLAPN's walking tour is conducted by GLAPNites Rob Douglass and Dave Kohl. The tour is “chock-full of juicy anecdotes about queer life in Portland over the last century or so.” Proceeds from the tour fees benefit Oregon Safe Schools and Communities Coalition. (http://glapn.org/2000news.html, Nicola)
2012
Ismoon Maria Hunter-Morton and C. Allen Giles are elected GLAPN president and treasurer respectively at GLAPN’s March 2012 meeting. At the time, Ismoon is Q Center's librarian, among other community jobs and activities. Allen brings the experience and perspective of a professional archivist who, among other things, has been working with the Cascade Aids Project's archives. Robin Will continues as GLAPN's secretary/webmaster. Ismoon is the first GLAPN president who identifies as bisexual. (http://glapn.org/2000news.html, Nicola)
2012
In “Twenty Years after Measure 9”, GLAPN, Q Center, the Human Rights Campaign, and Basic Rights Oregon celebrate the 20th anniversary of the defeat of Oregon's nefarious anti-gay Ballot Measure 9 of 1992. The event, which was initiated by GLAPN, is held at Q Center. (http://glapn.org/1003ourstories.html, Nicola)
2012
GLAPN holds its first annual Queer Heroes Northwest Awards program and exhibit in conjunction with Portland’s Q Center. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian Brown attends the opening of the exhibit at Q Center. She expresses interest in sharing our community’s stories with the staff at the Department of Justice. So, at her request, she is given a copy of the exhibit which is displayed in Portland’s U.S. Attorney office in the federal Department of Justice.
(http://www.pdxqcenter.org/queer-heroes-nw-exhibition-travels-to-the-u-s-department-of-justice/, Nicola)
2012
GLAPN joins NW Archivists, Inc., a local professional association for archives and archivists. (http://glapn.org/2000news.html, Nicola)
2013
GLAPN holds its second annual Queer Heroes Northwest Award program. New Seasons donates a booth at the Pride Festival allowing GLAPN to get some exposure. In the booth, GLAPN displays a replica the year’s Queer Heroes display so visitors can view it. (http://glapn.org/2000news.html), Nicola)
2013
GLAPN President Ismoon Maria Hunter-Morton is appointed by Governor John Kitzhaber to be a member of the Trustees of the State Library. At the time, Ismoon is also the Head Librarian of Q Center’s Kendall Clawson Library. (http://glapn.org/2000news.html, Nicola)
2013
GLAPNite Pat Young is one of three panelists appearing in the Oregon Encyclopedia's September 9, 2013 program entitled, "100 Years Ago But Not So Far Away: Exploring Portland's 1912 Homosexual Controversy and Exploring Its Legacy." (http://glapn.org/2000news.html, Nicola)
2013
GLAPN research is used extensively by Oregon United for Marriage (OR4M) in its attempt to bring marriage equality to Oregon. GLAPN assembles a history hall in OR4M and conducts a local LGBTQ history class for the organization’s staff. Mainstream press seeking information are referred to GLAPN so that GLAPN’s research is referenced in the Los Angeles Time, the Seattle Times, Street Roots, and the Portland Mercury.
2013
GLAPN research is used extensively by the plaintiff attorneys in both the oral and written arguments in each of the law suits that try to bring marriage equality of Oregon. The two cases, Geiger v. Kitzhaber and Rummel v. Kitzhaber, are combined by U.S. District Court Judge Michael McShane. In Geiger, the written brief cites by name the GLAPN article Oregon Anti-Gay Ballot Measures and the name of GLAPNite George T. Nicola as author: https://www.scribd.com/document/207890130/Geiger-v-Kitzhaber-Plaintiffs-Amended-Memorandum-in-Support-of-Summary-Judgment, page 15) Opening arguments
cite the landmark federal case Society of Sisters v. Pierce. (https://www.scribd.com/doc/221059896/Transcript-Geiger-v-Kitzhaber-April-23-2014#fullscreen&from_embed, page 12) This was also based on GLAPN research. Judge McShane eventually declares Oregon’s ban on same gender marriage a violation of the U.S. Constitution. Same-gender weddings begin within hours.
2013
GLAPNite George T. Nicola is given Pride Northwest’s Community Activist Award. The award “recognizes individuals and organizations who are participating in grassroots efforts with limited resources.” (http://glapn.org/2000news.html, Nicola)
2013
GLAPN launches its YouTube channel. (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=glapn, Nicola)
2013
GLAPN helps facilitate a presentation of Social Justice Organizing conducted by Sandy Polishuk. The first one is a panel discussion of LGBTQ pioneer activists. It includes Steve Fulmer, Cliff Jones, Susie Shepherd, and GLAPNite Pat Young. (http://glapn.org/2000news.html, Nicola)
2014
GLAPN helps facilitate a second presentation of Social Justice Organizing conducted by Sandy Polishuk. This one is the "History of the Portland Gay Press", featuring panelists Rupert Kinnard and Renée LaChance. Both were among the founders of newspaper Just Out which operated for almost three decades starting in 1983. (http://glapn.org/2000news.html, Nicola)
2014
At the request of the Oregon State Bar (OSB), GLAPN provides considerable input to the OSB’s new Diversity & Inclusion Story Wall. The Story Wall is a large collage that chronicles the legal system and profession’s gradual progress toward better reflecting the communities it must serve. The following year, GLAPN provided updates, again at the request of OSB. (http://www.pqmonthly.com/oregon-state-bar-unveils-diversity-inclusion-story-wall/21088, Nicola)
2014
GLAPNite George T. Nicola gives a class on local LGBTQ history to Multnomah County employees. The session is done at the request of Prism, a county employee resource group “focusing on ensuring equity and inclusion for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) County employees and providing a place for LGBTQ employees to support each other’s professional growth.” (From personal experience, Nicola)
2014
For the first time in the 30th year of its existence, the City of Portland’s Spirit of Portland Award is given to an LGBTQ organization -- PFLAG Portland. This is a result of a nomination made by GLAPNite George T. Nicola. Also receiving the award is George T. Nicola, specifically for his work in documenting Oregon LGBTQ history through GLAPN. It is the first time in the award’s history that the words “gay” or “lesbian” are used in the designation of the award recipient. (http://www.pqmonthly.com/lgbtq-people-allies-recognized-city-portland/21084, Nicola)
2014
Former Q Center Executive Director Kendall Clawson, straight ally Oregon Representative Alissa Keny-Guyer, and Equity Foundation are all given the Brilliant List designation after being nominated by GLAPNite George T. Nicola. Also winning the recognition was George himself. “Brilliant List consists of ten people in the community who are selected “for the positive impact they have each made upon the LGBTQ community.” (http://www.pqmonthly.com/welcome-brilliant-list/20184, Nicola)
2014
GLAPNite Suzanne Deakins begins writing regular articles for PQ Monthly, Oregon’s major LGBTQ publication. (From direct experience, Nicola)
2014
GLAPN hold its third annual Queer Heroes Northwest Award program. GLAPN has a Portland Pride Festival booth which features the current year’s Queer Heroes display. (http://glapn.org/6450queerheroesmain2014.html, Nicola)
2014
GLAPNite George T. Nicola is given the Mariposa Award by Portland Latino Gay Pride (which has been renamed to PDX Latinx Pride) (http://glapn.org/2000news.html, Nicola)
2014
GLAPNite Heather Burmeister has an article in the Spring 2014 Oregon Historical Society Quarterly that excerpts her research on the lesbian back-to-the-land movement of the 1960s and 1970s. The article is titled “Women's Lands in Southern Oregon: Jean Mountaingrove and Beetroot Gwynn Tell Their Stories”. http://glapn.org/2000news.html, Nicola)
2014
OGALLA: The LGBT Bar Association of Oregon; GLAPN; and Oregon State Bar Diversity & Inclusion Department jointly sponsor a class entitled “LGBT Rights in Oregon: A Historical Perspective.” The session qualifies for continuing legal education (CLE) credits required of Oregon State Bar members. It is also videotaped to be placed online so that attorneys who could not attend in person can still access the CLE. The class starts with GLAPNite George T. Nicola giving a PowerPoint presentation on the legal history of LGBTQ people in Oregon. He is followed by a panel discussion of five of Oregon’s finest legal minds, all of them openly LGBTQ: Oregon Court of Appeals Judge (later Oregon Supreme Court Justice) Lynn Nakamoto; Retired Judge Janice Wilson who was Oregon’s first openly LGBTQ elected public official; University of Oregon Law Professor Dominick (Dom) Vetri who pioneered the teaching of LGBTQ law in law schools; pioneering LGBTQ rights attorney Charles (Charlie) Hinkle; pioneering LGBTQ family law attorney Cindy Cumfer. (http://www.pqmonthly.com/oregon-state-bar-cosponsors-continuing-education-class-lgbt-rights-oregon-historical-perspective/20825. Nicola)
2015
Straight ally Karol Collymore (at the time, Executive Director of Equity Foundation) and GLAPNite George T. Nicola attend as observers a meeting of the Multnomah County Board in which they planned to hear from LGBTQ speakers, then declare National Coming Out Day. However, because of some conflict in the planning, one of the speakers does not show up in time. So, Board Chair Deborah Kafoury asks Karol and George to address the commission. Both did. Karol discusses the work of Equity Foundation in her usual polished manner. George discusses how Chair Kafoury’s mother Gretchen Kafoury had mentored him to write and lobby for Oregon’s first sexual orientation civil rights bill in 1973. He also mentions the help he got in 1972 by Oregon’s first African American voted to public office, Gladys McCoy. Gladys was later voted County Chair. (From direct experience, Nicola)
2015
GLAPN launches its Oregon Trans Timeline. The purpose is to document the basics of Oregon transgender history in the hope that others will expand upon the subject. Anyone can suggest items, but any final input must be approved by editors Danni/y Rosen and Ampersand Crates both of whom are trans identified.
http://glapn.org/6031TransTimeline.html, Nicola)
2015
GLAPNite George T. Nicola writes an article titled “A History of Oregon’s Major LGBTQ Equality Organizations”. It comes the closest to a chronological history of Oregon’s LGBTQ movement. (http://glapn.org/6026EqualityOrganizations.html, Nicola) George also publishes “A History of Oregon LGBTQ Equality Law Since 1970”. It is a comprehensive, thoroughly researched and cited legal chronology. The article includes important historical information that had never before been in print. (http://glapn.org/6007historyLGBTQrights.html, Nicola)
2015
To highlight bisexual inclusion, GLAPN publishes on its website an article titled “Some Notable Oregonians who have been Openly Bisexual”. Former GLAPN President Ismoon Maria Hunter-Morton, who identifies as bisexual, becomes editor. Anyone can suggest items, but they must be approved by Ismoon before they become part of the article. (http://glapn.org/6043BisexualContributions.html, Nicola)
2015
GLAPN hold its fourth annual Queer Heroes Northwest Award program at Q Center. GLAPN has a booth at the Portland Pride Festival where a replica of the heroes poster collection is displayed. (http://glapn.org/6500QueerHeroes2015.html, Nicola)
2015
Out on the sQuare is part volunteer fair for LGBTQ organizations, and part block party in Pioneer Courthouse Square. The event has been around for a while – it began as "Gay Fair on the Square," sponsored by Portland Gay Men's Chorus. More recently, Q Center has organized and produced the event. GLAPN hosted a booth at this year's event. (http://glapn.org/2000news.html, Nicola)
2015
Portland Area Business Association (PABA) wins the City of Portland’s Spirit of Portland Award after being nominated by GLAPNite George T. Nicola. PABA is the local LGBTQ chamber of commerce. It is only the second time an LGBTQ organization wins this award in its 31-year history. (http://www.pqmonthly.com/paba-wins-spirit-portland-award/24098, Nicola)
2015
GLAPN celebrates its 21st anniversary by creating an Oregon LGBTQ history exhibit at Q Center. The display is highlighted by an evening reception for the community. (http://www.pqmonthly.com/glapn-celebrated-its-21st-birthday-with-an-exhibit-and-opening-reception/22084 Nicola)
2015
GLAPN reintroduces Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) to a former faculty remember who had been forgotten by their institution. Dr. Ira Pauly was an early supporter of LGBTQ equality, and was a major pioneer advocate in trangender healthcare. After consulting with trans GLAPNites Ampersand Crates and Danny Rosen, OHSU archivists travel to speak with Pauly in his winter home in Arizona. The recorded oral interview is transcribed and uploaded to OHSU’s web site. (http://glapn.org/6039IraPaulyInterview.html, Nicola)
2015
At their annual Portland garden party, Basic Rights Oregon gives its Movement Maker Certificate to ally Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, pioneering African American allies Antoinette and Keith Edwards, and GLAPNite George T. Nicola. (From personal experience, Nicola)
2015
GLAPN is included in the celebration of America Archives Month, entitled "History: Feed Your Head" and hosted at the City of Portland Archives and Record Center on the Portland State University campus. (http://glapn.org/2000news.html, Nicola)
2015
GLAPN member Michael Helquist publishes Marie Equi: Radical Politics & Outlaw Passions. The book details one of “the northwest's first practicing women physicians, a lesbian who lived openly with her partner, a champion of women's suffrage, labor rights, and reproductive freedom – who ultimately served three years in San Quentin, convicted of sedition for her opposition to American involvement in World War I.” (http://glapn.org/2000news.html, Nicola)
2015
SAGE, First Congregational UCC, and Multnomah County Library team up for an afternoon of storytelling and oral histories. (http://glapn.org/2000news.html, Nicola)
2015
A facilitated storytelling round-table conversation is held on the history of lesbians and other women in the earliest days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It is part of an observance of National HIV/AIDS Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day. The event is co-sponsored by *eRa*, GLAPN, and SAGE Metro Portland. (http://glapn.org/2000news.html, Nicola)
2015
GLAPN works with PFLAG Portland Black Chapter and Portland Black Pride to honor February as Black History Month. The celebration, held at Portland State University, includes video and a panel discussion featuring Portland LGBTQ African Americans Kathleen Saadat, Rupert Kinnard, Margaret-Ann Jones, and others. Artwork is displayed, much of it produced by graphic artist Rupert Kinnard. Major planners were Khalil Edwards who at the time chairs PFLAG Portland Black Chapter, and GLAPN President Robin Will. (http://www.pqmonthly.com/portland-pflag-black-chapter-holds-black-history-month-lgbtq/22093, Nicola)
2016
Openly lesbian Judge Lynn Nakamoto is appointed to the Oregon Supreme Court. GLAPNites Margaret-Ann Jones and George T. Nicola attend Justice Nakamoto’s investiture at her personal invitation. (http://www.pqmonthly.com/judge-nakamoto-appointed-justice-oregon-supreme-court/24317, Nicola)
2016
At the request of Portland Q Center, GLAPNites Margaret-Ann Jones, Patricia “Patti” May, and George T. Nicola are interviewed by StoryCorps. Each interview lasted an hour and was audio recorded. The interviews will be preserve by StoryCorps and eventually entrusted to the Smithsonian Institute. “StoryCorps’ mission is to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world.” (From personal experience and https://storycorps.org/, Nicola)
2016
For the second year, GLAPN honors Black History Month with an exhibit and reception at Q Center. GLAPN President Robin Will and GLAPNite Margaret-Ann Jones are the main organizers.
(http://www.pqmonthly.com/glapn-sponsors-black-history-month-exhibit/24430, Nicola)
2016
GLAPN holds its fifth annual Queer Heroes Northwest Award program. GLAPN has a booth at the Portland Pride Festival where a replica of the heroes poster collection is displayed.
(http://glapn.org/6531QueerHeroes2016.html, Nicola)
2016
Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) wins the Light a Fire Award presented by Portland Monthly magazine after being nominated by GLAPNite George T. Nicola, (From firsthand experience and https://www.pdxmonthly.com/articles/2016/10/10/cascade-aids-project-serves-more-than-400-people-each-month)
2016
GLAPN begins working with Know Your City on the Pride Forever tours. Pride Forever examines the compelling stories of LGBTQ history in Portland, from pivotal spaces in which LGBTQ folks built community, to precious moments that galvanized the entire movement. (https://knowyourcity.org/2016/06/18/pride-forever-lgbtq-history-tour-2/, Nicola)
2016
At the request of Oregon Public Broadcasting, GLAPNite George T. Nicola assembles a group of ten Oregon LGBTQ movement pioneers to give a historical background to a documentary OPB is making called Darcelle XV. The ten, all Queer Heroes NW from past years, include Cindy Cumfer, Susie Shepherd, Kristan Knapp, Patti May, Kathleen Saadat, Harold Strong, Frank Schreckenberger, Rupert Kinnard, Jerry Weller, and George T. Nicola. Other past Queer Heroes that were in the film were Maria Council, Kevin Cook, and of course (Walter Cole) Darcelle. The documentary is released to considerable acclaim, and the following year, it wins two regional Emmy Awards. (http://www.natasnw.org/Nominations-Recipients/2017-54th-annual-emmy-recipients.html and from firsthand experience, Nicola)
2017
GLAPN is selected by Pride Northwest as Grand Marshal for the Portland Pride Parade. Riding in a convertible during the parade are GLAPNites Suzanne Deakins and Margaret-Ann Jones. Walking alongside the vehicle (by choice) are GLAPNites Kristan Knapp, Robin Will, Valerie Whittlesey, and George T. Nicola. (https://pridenw.org/2017-parade-line-up/ and from firsthand experience, Nicola)
2017
GLAPN presents its 7th annual Queer Heroes Northwest Awards. The awards are highlighted this year by a spirited reception organized by GLAPNite Margaret-Ann Jones with help from GLAPNite Fern Wilgus, and emceed by GLAPNite Harold Strong. About 140 people attend the ceremony held at Q Center. Among the speakers are past Queer Heroes Darcelle and Antoinette Edwards. Former Portland Police Chief and Mayor Tom Potter, a 2017 Queer Hero, also spoke as did most of the winners for the year. (http://glapn.org/6560QueerHeroes2017.html and from firsthand experience, Nicola)
2017
Trillium Family Services gives its Mental Health Heroes Award to transgender social service organization Brave Space LLC and gay clinical psychologist Brad Larsen-Sanchez. Both had been nominated by GLAPNite George T. Nicola. (https://trilliumfamily.org/advocacy-platform/keep-oregon-well-announces-full-list-2017-mental-health-heroes-award-recipients/, Nicola)
2017
At the prompting of GLAPN historian George T. Nicola, retired Oregon Supreme Court Justice Virginia Linder is given the Community Spotlight Award presented by Pride Northwest. (Nicola)
2017
QDoc is joined by GLAPN in a showing of Conversations with Gay Elders film by filmmaker David Weissman Conversations with Gay Elders is a series of in-depth interviews and conversational documentaries focused on gay men whose journeys of self-discovery precede the era of Stonewall and gay liberation. This one is about Portland resident Kerby Lauderdale. (http://glapn.org/2000news.html, Nicola)
2017
In February, GLAPN holds is third annual celebration of Black History Month with an exhibit and reception in Q Center’s gallery. The film Loving which is about the U.S. Supreme Court case that invalidated laws prohibiting interracial marriage is shown. The event was conducted by GLAPNites Margaret-Ann Jones and Robin Will.
( http://www.pqmonthly.com/glapn-celebrates-black-history-month-q-center-exhibit/25683, Nicola)
2017
At the invitation of Pride Northwest, GLAPN participates in PNW’s Celebration of LGBTQ Generations event as part of Pride 2017! The overall goal for this event is to create a comfortable and interactive space, where people can share and connect. It is light on "presentation" and more focused on conversation. GLAPN speakers were Margaret-Ann Jones, Robin Will, and George T. Nicola. (http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/363429-243944-glbt-stories-span-the-generations, Nicola)
2017
Portland Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Pride creates an exhibit at Q Center to honor May as Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The celebration is highlighted by a potluck and panel discussion. Organizers were Manumalo “Malo” Ala’ilima, at the time Co-Chair of API Pride, and Q Center Co-Director Justin Pabalate. GLAPN provides input with bios of prominent API LGBTQ Oregonians. (From firsthand experience, Nicola)
2017
GLAPN participates in “Powerful Self: LGBTQIA2S+ Lives Today” held at the Portland Art Museum. “We all want to be seen as we truly are. The people in this exhibition, and the groups from which they come, have not always been allowed to belong. Stories connected to their personal objects tell us a little about why. Get to know them. Relate to their vulnerability, recognize their resilience, and appreciate their joy and power as they live to be their most authentic selves. Listen to these stories of change in a community over time, and stories of personal change.” Event organizers are Emily Squires, and Paul Iarrobino.
( https://portlandartmuseum.org/objectstories/powerful-self-lgbtqia2s-lives-today/, Nicola)
2017
At the request of GLAPN, Oregon Governor Kate Brown, issued a proclamation designating October 2017 as LGBTQ History Month: https://www.glapn.org/60542017LGBTQHistoryProclamation.html. Kate Brown was the first person in the nation to become a governor while openly LGBTQ. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Brown, Nicola)
2017
Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) wins the Spirit of Portland Award in category Access and Disability Justice after being nominated by GLAPN historian George T. Nicola. (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/civic/article/661430, Nicola) Honorees associated with the LGBTQ community and who were selected for the award by City Council members are Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center (SMYRC) and pioneering lesbian activist Kathleen Saadat. (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/civic/article/235134, Nicola)
2017
Two people associated with the Oregon LGBTQ community win Portland Monthly magazine’s annual Light a Fire Award after being nominated by GLAPN historian George T. Nicola. They are straight cisgender ally Antoinette Edwards who founded the first PFLAG Black chapter in the nation here in Portland (now called Sankofa Collective Northwest), and lesbian April Slabosheski who at the time countered hate and bigotry through her then current position at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education. (https://www.pdxmonthly.com/features/meet-our-2017-light-a-fire-winners, Nicola)
2018
GLAPN works with Portland Asian Pacific Islander (API) Pride to create an ongoing virtual exhibit on LGBTQ Asian Pacific Islander local history on GLAPN’s website at Oregon Asian Pacific Islander LGBTQ History (Nicola)
2018
GLAP member Jean Wynn, who identifies as bisexual, accepts the position of GLAPN Secretary. (Nicola)
2018
GLAPN creates an ongoing LGBTQ Latinx local history virtual exhibit on its website at Oregon Latinx LGBTQ History. (Nicola)
2018
GLAPN creates an ongoing LGBTQ Black local history virtual exhibit on its website at Links for Oregon LGBTQ Back History. (Nicola)
2018
Two LGBTQ community associates win the Spirit of Portland Award after being nominated by GLAPN historian George T. Nicola. Pride Northwest wins in category Civil Engagement. Long time straight cisgender ally Antoinette Edwards wins for Outstanding Elder Leader. (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/civic/article/702911, Nicola)
2018
GLAPN presents its 7th annual Queer Heroes Northwest Awards. The awards are highlighted this year by a reception organized by GLAPN member Margaret-Ann Jones with help from others, and emceed by GLAPN member Harold Strong. About 140 people attend the ceremony held at Portland Q Center. See video of the reception is provided by Bev Standish at Queer Heroes 2018. All awardees for the year can be viewed at Queer Heroes NW 2018. (Nicola)
2018
At the Portland Pride launch party, Pride Northwest announces the start of a fellowship. It is named the George T. Nicola LGBTQ+ History Fellowship in honor of the GLAPN historian by that name. The project is a collaboration between Pride Northwest and GLAPN, as well as local LGBTQ+ community historians. The Fellowship “seeks to uplift LGBTQ+ scholarship, foster public access to LGBTQ+ archives and illuminate the vibrant LGBTQ+ history of the state of Oregon. Awarded annually, recipients each receive a $2,000 stipend to support research which focuses on LGBTQ+ history in Oregon. Awardees also receive mentorship and guidance from community and academic historians around the region.” (https://www.pridenw.org/nicolafellowship. Nicola)
2018
Portland Q Center wins the Portland Monthly magazine’s Light a Fire Award for category Most with Least. The award comes as a result of a nomination submitted by GLAPN historian George T. Nicola. (https://www.pdxmonthly.com/articles/2018/10/17/at-portland-s-q-center-the-fight-for-gay-rights-is-far-from-over, Nicola) Also winning the Light a Fire Award is George T. Nicola for Exceptional Volunteer. (https://www.pdxmonthly.com/articles/2018/10/17/portlander-george-nicola-documents-untold-stories-of-the-lgbtq-movement, Nicola)
2018
A chance conversation at GLAPN’s 2018 Pride booth prompted an invitation for GLAPN to host an informational table at a December 4, 2018 event at Evergreen Middle School in Hillsboro, Oregon. (Will)
2019
Historian Melissa Cornelius Lang, who identifies as bisexual, accepts the position of GLAPN Vice President. (Nicola)
2019
GLAPN becomes involved in attempts to provide local history content to the project renaming downtown SW Start Street to Harvey Milk Street. (Nicola)
2019
Two local LGBTQ students are selected to receive the first distribution of funds from the recently launched George T. Nicola LGBTQ+ History Fellowship. Shir Bach, a bisexual transgender male receives the $2,000 fellowship award. A secondary grant is made to Jayden Dirk, a gay cisgender male. (Nicola)
2019
GLAPN presents its 8th annual Queer Heroes Northwest Awards. The awards are highlighted this year by a spirited reception organized by GLAPN member Margaret-Ann Jones with help from others. As has become traditional, the ceremony is emceed by GLAPN member Harold Strong. About 120 people attend the ceremony held at Q Center. Among the speakers are previous years’ Queer Heroes David Martinez, Debra Porta. and Manumalo S. Ala'ilima. Two special guests were lesbian Martha Shelley who organized the first Gay Liberation Front in New York City just after Stonewall; and straight cisgender ally Justice Adrienne Nelson, the first African American to join the Oregon Supreme Court. Bev Standish again video records the reception: Queer Heroes 2019 See all honorees at Queer Heroes NW 2019. (Nicola)
2019
Since the year 2000, an LGBTQ history Capstone class was taught at Portland State University by openly lesbian instructor Pat Young. Pat retired after transitioning the instructor role to Sarah K. Loose. This year is Sarah’s first time teaching the course wholly on her own, though she had co-taught the course with Pat at varying levels for several terms before that, starting in 2016. Sarah graduated from Ivy League Yale University with a BA in history in 2001 She graduated from Ivy League Columbia University with a MA in Oral History in 2012. (Email from Sarah Loose, Nicola)
2019
GLAPN President Robin Will speaks in a video produced by the City of Portland in their ceremony declaring June to be Pride Month. Others in the video included Holly Hart and Debra Porta. View the video at Pride Proclamation June 2019.
(Nicola)
2019
GLAPN historian George T. Nicola is included in a Multnomah County video that accompanied the County’s proclamation of June as Pride month. Others in the video included Debra Portland, Kathleen Saadat, Julie Davis, and. See Portland Pride: Past, Present and Future Board honors past, commits support in Pride Proclamation 2019. (Nicola)
2019:
In June, GLAPN staffs a table at the Portland Pride Waterfront festival. GLAPNites march in the Portland Pride Parade as an organization and carrying a huge GLAPN banner designed by GLAPN President Robin Will.
2019:
Following a nomination by GLAPN historian George T. Nicola, African American LGBTQ pioneer activist Rupert Kinnard receives Portland Monthly Magazine’s Light a Fire LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Award. You can read the article at https://www.pdxmonthly.com/news-and-city-life/2019/10/this-portland-illustrator-and-activist-has-been-working-for-lgbtq-rights-since-well-forever. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler introduces Rupert at the award dinner. See the video by Rupert’s partner Scott Stapley at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puuTc41haDU&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0SJ-yksJ-tp1StRI3dF-2MOP33fhgtWTkT2mJwNxMgD-CRyJArEav3cPU. In the video, the mayor tells the overwhelmingly straight white audience of about 600 people that “everyone in this room has benefited from his [Rupert’s] tremendous works.”
At the same event, the LGBTQ anti-bulling organization Oregon Safe Schools and Communities Coalition wins the Light a Fire award in category MOST WITH THE LEAST. See the article at https://www.pdxmonthly.com/news-and-city-life/2019/10/this-tiny-group-makes-oregon-schools-safer-for-lgbtq-students. Long time lesbian activist Joy Wallace, Co-Chair of the organization, had nominated the all-volunteer group for the award. (https://www.oregonsafeschools.org/about_us)
The Portland Gay Men’s Chorus sings at the ceremony.
2019:
GLAPN President Robin Will writes an article which is published by Proud Time Magazine, an online local LGBTQ periodical published by Sebastian Fortino:
Gay History to Be Thankful For as We Approach 2020. [Robin, when access that URL, I get the message that the site is unsafe. If it is unsafe or if we cannot avoid that message, let’s include this item without the link. By the way, the mag’s editor seems to have moved to the East Coast.]
2019:
To honor LGBTQ History Month, GLAPN constructs an exhibit at Q Center’s Imperial Sovereign Rose Court Gallery early in October. A reception titled “Celebrating 50 years of LGBTQ activism” is held on October 26. The display remains in place until late December when it is removed at Q Center’s request to make room for another unrelated display.
2019:
Portland’s Sovereign Imperial Rose Court designates GLAPN as the 2019 Imperial Rose Crown Organization of the Year at its Coronation Ball on Saturday October 19. The award plaque states that it was “In recognition of your service to our Community and the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court.” The plaque is given by Rose Emperor XLII Daniel Surreal Foxx and Rose Empress LX Kimberly Michelle Westwood. GLAPN's George T. Nicola attends the event to receive the plaque.
2020:
In late 2019, Portland Gay Liberation Front’s cofounder John Graham Wilkinson passes away after a long battle with prostate cancer. GLAPN’s Laur Raag, Flynn Milligan, and George T. Nicola attend John’s celebration of life in Seattle. John’s surviving husband Dave Davenport was happy to see gay attendees from Portland.
2020:
GLAPN holds its George T. Nicola LGBTQ+ History Fellowship 2019 reception. At the event, 2019 fellowship recipient Shir Bach discusses his paper Tracing Trans Surgery Through the Archives in Portland, Oregon. Fellowship 2019 recipient Jayden Dirk discusses his paper “There is No Place in the City”. Guest speakers giving feedback to the paper are Reid Vanderburgh, Rev. Cecil Prescod, and Eliza Canty-Jones. Also addressing the audience were Pride Northwest Executive Director Debra Porta, GLAPN President Robin Will, and GLAPN Vice President Melissa Lang. The event drew about 50 people from a wide range of ages.
2020:
GLAPN President Robin Will tables at the Pride Fair at Evergreen Middle School in Hillsboro on February 26. It was a district-wide, after-school program for LGBTQ students and staff. He later writes “For us, it's history-making to be doing this sort of outreach in a middle school, and we met several teachers and some incredibly savvy students interested in learning more about our LGBTQ history. [Robin, I suggest you include that photo you put on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10221784364815709&set=a.1195721250560&type=3
&theater. [Create a link that says “View photo(s)” and upload that photo(s) to somewhere on glapn.org.]
2020:
In late March, GLAPN posts a notice on the opening page of its web state stating “We're cancelling the meeting we planned for April 2, and we won't be meeting again for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis. We'll announce plans here, via email, and on our Facebook page when meetings resume.” (http://glapn.org/)
2020:
In February, long time Queer activist, comedian, and historian Belinda Carroll is presented with the Oregon’s annual Women of Achievement Award by Oregon Governor Kate Brown. Much of the award’s verbiage was taken from Belinda’s 2018 Queer Heroes Award. For details of the 019 WOA Awards, see press release OCFW Announces Four Recipients for the Annual Oregon Women of Achievement Awards.
Addendum: GLAPN Presidents in order of their terms:
- Tom Cook
- Pat Young
- Christa Orth
- Rob Douglass
- Ismoon Mariah Hunter-Morton
- Robin Will
Note: At no time in GLAPN’s 23-year history has anyone been paid for their work.
P.O. Box 3646 • Portland, OR 97208-3646 • info@glapn.org
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