We first heard about apparent gay bashings over the holiday weekend via Facebook and a local singer’s website…other than that we don’t have much to go on as far as details, but the summer is not starting off as pleasant as we’d like. However, we won’t let it stay that way: Wednesday night Q-Center is hosting a public forum, headed by Stephen Cassell and Just Out’s Daniel Borgen; the event is FREE and scheduled for 7pm-9pm.

Here’s what we’ve pieced together:

Saturday night Portland artist Logan Lynn posted a message on his website: Dear Portland Rose Festival Gay Bashers: If it’s blood you want, it’s blood you’ll get. In his post, he starts out by saying, “I can barely make out the words on the screen through my tears as I am typing this. I’ve hit a wall with being able to push down my anger about the cruelty and hatred that’s directed at me and my friends just for being ourselves. Last night a group of my friends got jumped by a bunch of gay bashing Rose Festival hill people. Everyone is alive today with much to be thankful for, but I’m fed up.” We haven’t been able to contact him for his recount of events, but we agree with him and are glad that he and his friends are alright.

We then followed several thread discussions on Facebook, beginning with Red Cap Garage stating, “We want to remind everyone heading out and about this weekend to be careful after recent gay-bashings in our city. Watch out for yourselves and one another. But, most of all, enjoy yourselves! Happy Memorial Day weekend to you all!” Within that thread was local DJ Robb Nelson’s own experience:

i dont know .. was walking then approached by three guys .. next thing i remember , i was home . hit in the face a few times , scraped up arms . i dont remember but i called someone that came and got me . my jaw is swollen and messed up a bit , but ok . the not remembering is what scares me

Evidently, other events happened around the city. At the moment, this is all we know, we have more work to do to get the full story delivered to you. We will be at the forum tomorrow night, and hope to see you there as well.

What can you do right now? It is worth noting that Q-Center has a self-defense class on Tuesday, June 15th, just days before PRIDE, so that is a great action step. Event details:

6:00pm-9:00pm
Q Center, the NEW location
4115 N Mississippi Ave, Portland (map)
$10-$50 sliding scale
NO ONE TURNED AWAY FOR LACK OF FUNDS!