Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said Thursday she will no longer defend Oregon’s state ban on marriage for same-sex couples. Rosenblum said that the state will continue to enforce the ban unless it’s overturned by a court, but that the law “cannot withstand a federal constitutional challenge under any standard of review.”

Rosenblum wrote in the filing: “State defendants admit that performing same-sex marriages in Oregon would have no adverse effect on existing marriages, and that sexual orientation does not determine an individual’s capacity to establish a loving and enduring relationship.”

Read more at TheSeattleLesbian.com

The Seattle Lesbian online magazine reaches more than 188,000 readers per week globally.

The post Oregon AG announces state will no longer defend same-sex marriage ban first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Oregon state Chief Operating Officer Michael Jordan announced Thursday that the state will officially recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states, though it will not allow those marriages to take place in Oregon. Though Oregon’s constitution states that “only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or legally recognized as a marriage,” Jordan, with guidance from the Oregon Department of Justice, points out that there are a variety of other marriages that are not legal in Oregon, but are still recognized:

“The DOJ opinion discusses the difference between Oregon’s definition of marriage — as between one man and one woman — and the state’s practice of recognizing marriages performed in other states. It describes how Oregon courts have consistently recognized valid out-of-state marriages, even when the marriage could not be performed in Oregon — such as common-law marriages. Although the Oregon constitution might be construed to prohibit recognizing out-of-state same-sex marriages, DOJ concludes that such a construction would violate the federal constitution.”

Read more at ThinkProgress.org

The post Oregon will recognize same-sex marriages from other states first appeared on Lesbian.com.

BY HEATHER CASSELL

Next week a wave of women will hit the shores of Seaside, Ore. for the first-ever EDEN Pacific Northwest.

Guest of EDEN PNW will enjoy a comedy show, dance parties and outdoor activities throughout the weekend October 3 – 6, 2013.

“Let’s rock the beach and enjoy being together for four wonderful days!” says Gabriela “Gabe” Kandziora, co-producer of EDEN PNW and partnership and business development of PQ Monthly.

The producers of the inaugural EDEN PNW have planned a smashing lineup of the Pacific Northwest’s female comedians, musicians and DJs spinning at two parties for the new four-day women’s weekend.

“The local vibe of our music fest is exciting. We’re introducing our guests to artists from Seattle, Portland and San Francisco – all sister cities and all full of incredible talent,” says Sarah.

Gabe agrees, excited about the diversity of the music and comedian lineup representing the flavor and talent of the Pacific Northwest throughout the weekend.

“Eden PNW’s musical lineup is fantastic!” says Gabe. “We are gonna have a blast!”

Christine De La Rosa, founder and producer of EDEN Pride Events and co-producer of fiveTEN Oakland Events, which is co-producing the weekend getaway, adds.

“EDEN loves bringing together diversity in our entertainment lineup,” says Christine. “We are very proud to be working with these world class entertainers and making sure that we stay true to our mission, diversity and amazing entertainment.”

Pacific Northwest favorites comedians Belinda Carroll, Lisa Koch and Sandra Valls will get the women laughing and in the mood for dancing with the premiere of new material in their musical comedy routines Friday night, at 7 p.m., October 4 before the Beach Bonfire.

The Lovers will rock the Oregon Coast with their new songs at EDEN Pacific Northwest. (Photo: Courtesy of Eden Pacific Northwest)

Portland’s Lovers will rock the beach along with Oakland’s Aima the Dreamer and Seattle’s Ms. Briq House on Saturday night at 7 p.m., October 5, before the EDEN Dance Party with DJs Fusion and Mr. Charming starting at 9 p.m. after the concert.

The Lovers will perform many of their latest songs from their new album, “Friend in the World,” released Sept. 24.

DJs Fusion and Mr. Charming are excited about getting the girls up and grooving on the dance floor while emcee RaMona Webb keeps the audiences pumped up and excited.

“Everyone in the house should hear a song they love, or a song they forgot they loved, but haven’t heard in awhile,” says DJ Fusion about the musical trip she has planned for the women. “Expect to sing along to those songs, and stay on the dance floor!”

DJ Mr. Charming plans to get things steamy on the dance floor.

“I hope to help create a sexy dance party for all the women at EDEN PNW, and to keep them dancing and flirting all night long!” adds DJ Mr. Charming.

“With acts like these, the tickets won’t last,” says Sarah Toce, co-producer of EDEN PNW and founder and publisher of The Seattle Lesbian.

Girl Power

The EDEN PNW producers, the Pacific Northwest’s preeminent queer publications that have a following of a combined estimated 320,000 readers monthly reached out to EPE, San Francisco Bay Area’s preeminent women’s entertainment and lifestyle company, that attract upward of an estimated 15,000 women and their friends throughout the summer to mostly queer women events during Pride throughout the Bay Area. The same EPE team also produces fiveTEN Oakland Events.

EPE also produced BLISS, a women’s getaway to Palm Springs, Calif., for two years.

“EDEN puts on amazing events and their experience is invaluable,” says Gabe, who was familiar with EPE and thrilled to partner with EPE.

“EDEN Pride Events, as well as myself, were so honored to be approached by PQ Monthly to produce this event and are looking forward to a long partnership with both The Seattle Lesbian and PQ Monthly,” says Christine.

The women were all seeking an untapped, but familiar destination filled with charm, but it wasn’t until they accidentally met through Girls That Roam, that they all came together to produce EDEN PNW.

“I am thrilled to be a part of it,” adds Sarah. “Whenever there is a positive way for women to work together to create something truly special, I’m in!”

The entertainers who have worked with EDEN couldn’t agree more.

“Eden events always have the best audiences who just want to laugh and have fun!” says Sandra.

Belinda, a Portland native, who has performed at other EPE events, couldn’t agree more with Sandra.

“The energy of the women and the great talent involved with the event make it spectacular!” says Belinda, who’s excited about EDEN PNW. “[It’s] just such a feel good, wonderful time,” she says.

Swept Away

The entertainers who haven’t been to Seaside are just as excited about EDEN PNW as those who are familiar with the destination and the girls putting on the event. Seaside, a historic resort on the northern Oregon Coast, has long been a vacation destination for families and lesbians.

“I’ve spent lots of time on the Oregon coast, but never with so many amazing women!” says DJ Mr. Charming, who is a staple in Portland’s music scene spinning at Gaycation for eight years.

Unlike Provincetown, Mass. and Key West, Fla., which have established weeklong queer women festivals, the Pacific Coast hasn’t ever established its own beachside getaway until now.

There are other locally produced women’s music festivals in the Pacific Northwest – the Out/Loud: Queer Women’s Music Festival and Siren Nation Festival, but they are all far away from the shores of the beautiful Oregon Coast.

“Personally, I am looking forward to experiencing the quaint town of Seaside as a vacation getaway,” says Christine, pointing out that the group is starting out small, but has “big plans to make this a full week of events for women and our friends over the course of the next five years, our very own West Coast Provincetown.”

And why not? Seaside was selected because lesbians have been escaping to the beach town for years; say Gabe and Sarah, who have both escaped their busy lives in Portland and Seattle to the charms of the welcoming beach town.

“Seaside is welcoming to the LGBT community and our straight allies,” says Sarah.

Seaside has embraced EDEN PNW as much as queer women have fallen in love with the coastal town, which is also near charming Cannon Beach and Gearhart, 10 minutes to art and golf. Astoria, a more urban town at the mouth of the Columbia River where Lewis and Clark ended their expedition led by Sacajawea, is only 30-minutes away.

Also, unlike Ptown or Key West, Seaside is easy to get to from Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. The town is only an hour and a half drive down U.S. 26 from Portland; a three and a half hours drive from Seattle; and nearly a six hours drive from Vancouver, B.C.

The EDEN PNW team has received a warm welcome from Seaside.

“We’re thrilled to have a first-time group like EDEN Pacific Northwest coming to Seaside,” says Jon Rahl, director of tourism and marketing of the Seaside Visitors Bureau, about why Seaside has been a popular resort destination for more than 100 years. “Seaside is truly more than just a day at the beach and we are excited to have you find out why!”

Karen Monroe, director of sales of the Shilo Inn Suites Oceanfront Hotel Seaside, EDEN PNW’s host hotel agrees adding, “Seaside has always been a great place to hold large fun events as well as a great place for families, couples, and friends to meet up.

“We are happy that EDEN PNW has chosen Seaside, Oregon and Shilo to be that place,” continues Karen.

“The Oregon Coast can be sublime during this time … warm, mellow and calm,” says Gabe. “It is a great town with lots to do and see … and a beautiful beach.”

“Seaside offers both a relaxing getaway and nightlife options for all different types of people,” adds Sarah.

Seaside is walkable, making it easy to ditch the car and get outside to take a walk along the Prom, the Promenade; or enjoy the amusement rides, arcade and local art galleries, boutiques, bars and restaurants, not to mention the amazing events EDEN PNW has planned.

It’s a relaxing getaway, a variety of outdoor and other activities for various individuals’ interest from clamming, cycling, hiking, golf, motorcycling, and surfing to art, boardwalk amusement, microbrewery and wine tasting, shopping, spas and nightlife.

“Where else can you ride a Harley one minute and play arcade games and eat salt water taffy the next?” asks Sarah. “Add to that dance parties overlooking the water and bonfires in the sand and you’ve got the perfect destination location.”

The women of EDEN PNW are planning an all-girl weekend getaway unlike any other.

“EDEN Pacific Northwest is unlike any other women’s weekend,” says Sarah. “In our first year alone, we are offering bonfire gatherings on the beach, dance parties with celesbians we all know and love, clam digging, sightseeing excursions, and more. This event is completely outside of the box and all three partners are excited to share it with everyone.”

The women hope that EDEN Pacific Northwest will become a destination for women from around the world to discover the beautiful Oregon coast.

Get your tickets to EDEN Pacific Northwest. Learn more about EDEN Pacific Northwest, visit EDENPNW.com or become our friend on Facebook.

Reserve your room at the Shilo Inn Seaside Oceanfront today to get the special discounted rate for EDEN Pacific Northwest, by calling 503-738-9571. Use the guest code: EDEN PNW.

This article originally appeared on GirlsThatRoam.com

Full Disclosure: Heather Cassell is the marketing and sponsorship director of EDEN Pride Events, one of the producers of EDEN Pacific Northwest.

The post Girls will rock at EDEN Pacific Northwest first appeared on Lesbian.com.

I know we’ve only just met, but I felt compelled to tell you that… I like you. I’m sure you hear this all of the time, but you’re gorgeous. I knew you were cool the moment I arrived and the only available car to rent was a Subaru. (And, only because all of the Prius were booked). I feel like I’ve met a kindred spirit. I don’t mean to be so forward, but your bicycle-friendly streets & bridges had me longing to explore your mountainous terrain. What a breath of fresh air you are! Literally.

Oh, how I like you. Let me count the ways…

You are sexy.
With a statue depicting a woman of strength and grace, perched upon the Portland building as a welcoming beacon, I must bow to you.

You make me laugh.
You gave us “Portlandia” the web series! I couldn’t resist driving by the “Feminist Bookstore,” In Other Words, where many hilarious episodes have been filmed. I’m going to tell you a secret. Please keep this between us. I got a little fan-girlie over coming across the set of “Portlandia” while stopping by Laughing Planet for my new favorite Thai Bowl. I would cartwheel across St. John’s Bridge if I could work on this web series for even one episode.

You smell good.
So many coffee houses. So little time.
Coffee House-Five, Barista, Stumptown = Yes.
Your Rose Garden made me blush. So much beauty.
And, Forest Park, with over 5,000 acres of forest for hiking & biking & play. I got my Zen fix walking through the Japanese Garden. How many gardens do you have, anyway? I know Multnomah Falls isn’t exactly your territory, but it’s such an easy visit. I hiked a mile up for a spectacular view of the Gorge and was back to you in twenty minutes.

You taste good.
Your food was delicious. You knocked my knee socks off with Veritable Quandary. I can’t remember the last time I had such an exciting, exquisite meal. Loved the patio seating, too. Tasty n Alder had a sweet, family vibe. The large tables with tons of small plate options was a sure friend-maker. And, Peteunia’s gluten-free, sugar-free bakery. Need I say “yum”? A true success story of food cart to full store-front. Although, I’ve always heard of you as having vegetarian-friendly restaurants, I did notice that many of your menus boasted of bacon. You even had a new restaurant called “Lardo“, which seems to be all about consuming bovine, swine, & beer. Not really my thing, but I won’t hold it against you.

You are so gay.
Happy and righteous hipster lesbians (being walked by their dogs) sporting Icebreaker, knee-high socks, Doc Martens or clogs. You hosted this year’s Women’s Lesbian Softball “World Series”. Delta Park had five softball fields packed with us. What a treat!

You’re feisty, diverse and smart. You know how to play.
From Roller Derby to the Portland Art Museum to a demonstration on the front walk of City Hall, your city is full of spunk, politics, and forward-thinkers. While strolling your Pearl District with the best Stumptown coffee in hand after a fine breakfast at Kenny & Zukes, my heart nearly skipped a beat on the intersection of 11th and Burnside St. There, I stood between Icebreaker store and Powell’s books. Add to that a nearby bike shop with its own espresso bar (West End Bikes). Is there anything you haven’t thought of? I was impressed with the Rose City Rollers, btw. Those gals give good game. And a teammate named JK Rolling? Brilliant! Insane!

You’ve got personality. Multiple personalities, in fact.
I should tell you a little about myself to make clear what an impression you’ve made upon me. I’m an artsy, outdoorsy, get-gussied-up & act classy type. It doesn’t always mix well, but with you it was a breeze. I was also pleased to know that no matter where I bedded down, you managed to impress me with your dynamic character.
*Funky, musical, & hip with a touch of scandalous: McMenamins Crystal Hotel
*Arsty, communal, & whimsical with a touch of eery: McMenamins Kennedy School
*Classy, upscale, intelligent, with a touch of modern: Hotel Modera
Please know that I don’t normally sleep around, but how can a gal really know her fit without a little experimentation?

I want more of you.
Rows of charming Tudor homes on Mississippi Ave. had me dreaming about a life with you. I promised myself that no matter how much I liked you I would not Uhaul it this time. But, I must admit I’m already planning my return. There is so much more of you to explore. I long to feel your fall and winter vibe. After all, I wouldn’t know you as Portland without a little rain, right?

Until we meet again… Thank you for the memories.
Your admirer,

Traci

Traci Dinwiddie is an actress, yogini, West African drummer, part-time badass and full time fruitcake. Learn more about the “Elena Undone” star by visiting TraciDinwiddie.com

The post Dear Portland, first appeared on Lesbian.com.

EDEN Pacific Northwest is a new four-day women’s weekend filled with live female musical performances, nationally renowned female comedians and artists and world-class female DJs in Seaside, Oregon from October 3-6, 2013.

EDEN Pride Events is known for EDEN Pride Weekend San Francisco, its four-day women’s weekend during San Francisco Pride now in its fourth year, and other women’s after-pride parties in Oakland, Sacramento and San Jose. EDEN Pride Events, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, also produced BLISS, a women’s getaway to Palm Springs, Calif. for two years.

“EDEN puts on amazing events and their experience is invaluable,” said Gabriela Kandziora, partnership and business development of PQ Monthly.

“Let’s rock the beach and enjoy being together for four wonderful days!” said Kandziora.

“I am thrilled to be a part of it,” added Sarah Toce, publisher and editor-in-chief of The Seattle Lesbian. “Whenever there is a positive way for women to work together to create something truly special, I’m in!”

Christine De La Rosa, founder and producer of EDEN Pride Events, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, agreed.

“EDEN Pride Events, as well as myself were so honored to be approached by PQ Monthly to produce this event and are looking forward to a long partnership with both the Seattle Lesbian and PQ Monthly,” said De La Rosa.

Seaside, much loved by Oregonians, was selected as the site of the new women’s weekend by the EDEN Pacific Northwest team.

Oregonians and Washingtonians, Melanie Davis, publisher of PQ Monthly; Kandziora and Toce, respectively, love the coastal town and surrounding area as well. They turned De La Rosa onto the town, who fell in love with the town, too, immediately.

“Seaside is welcoming to the LGBT community and our straight allies,” said Toce.

An hour and a half outside of Portland, Oregon, Seaside is also easily accessible by Californians, Oregonians, Washingtonians, and Vancouverians and Victorians from Canada.

Seaside offers a relaxing getaway, a variety of outdoor and other activities for various individuals’ interest from clamming, cycling, hiking, golf, motorcycling, and surfing to art, boardwalk amusement, microbrewery and wine tasting, shopping, spas, and nightlife.

“Where else can you ride a Harley one minute and play arcade games and eat salt water taffy the next?” asked Toce. “Add to that dance parties overlooking the water and bonfires in the sand and you’ve got the perfect destination location.”

“EDEN Pacific Northwest is unlike any other women’s weekend,” said Toce. “In our first year alone, we are offering bonfire gatherings on the beach, dance parties with celesbians we all know and love, clam digging, sightseeing excursions, and more. This event is completely outside of the box and all three partners are excited to share it with everyone.”

The women hope that EDEN Pacific Northwest will become a destination for women from around the world to discover the beautiful Oregon Coast.

The post New women’s weekend event announced: EDEN Pacific Northwest first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Will Oregon follow Washington and California in becoming the next (and last) West Coast state to embrace same-sex marriage? The state’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights advocates certainly hope so, and have launched an ambitious “Oregon Says I Do” petition campaign to extend marriage equality to Oregon.

According to Petition Director Ryan Brown, the campaign will kick off on Friday, July 26 in cities all across the state. Brown says organizers are hoping to gather 116,284 signatures by July 3, 2014 — “a signature every 4 and 1/4 minutes.”

Read more at Huffington Post Gay Voices

The post Oregon kicks off gay marriage petition first appeared on Lesbian.com.

From another recent bakery incident, people gathered to protest the bakery that refused to make a same-sex couple a wedding cake. That bakery is now being investigated for violation of state discrimination legislation. (Photo: Robert Dinwall/KOIN)

BY ZACK FORD
ThinkProgress

Another bakery in Oregon has refused to sell a cake to a lesbian couple for their commitment ceremony. Erin Hanson and Katie Pugh reached out to Fleur Cakes for a wedding cake for their celebration near Mt. Hood, but owner Pam Regentin made it quite clear she would not serve them because they are a same-sex couple. KATU News reporter Dan Cassuto reached Regentin by phone to confirm she understood she was clearly violating Oregon’s nondiscrimination law.

The story parallels a similar instance of discrimination from earlier this year, when Sweet Cakes by Melissa refused to provide a same-sex couple a cake because “marriage is a religious institution ordained by God.” The Oregon Labor Bureau is still processing a complaint filed by that couple.

Read more at ThinkProgress.org

The post Another Oregon bakery refuses same-sex couple cake first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Kirsten, Jes and Diane (Photo via AfterEllen.com)

Many moons ago I was invited to an evening of queer comedy in the back of a pizza parlor. I was of course ecstatic at the promise of a line-up of funny ladies as that is the stuff that dreams, or lesbian erotica, are made of. So off I went, to witness history being made in a nearly packed room for an inaugural comedy night. Already, one of a kind. The evening definitely had some hits and misses, but the hits were knee-slapping hilarious and came from Kirsten Kuppenbender, Jes Rega and Diane Gasperin. These women have since come together to create “Lez Stand Up,” a Portland based queer comedy night that has become wildly successful since it’s inception back in 2010.

Read more at AfterEllen.com

AfterEllen is the pop culture site that plays for your team

The post Fluent in funny: The queer comedy of ‘Lez Stand Up’ first appeared on Lesbian.com.