15 years ago this month, OUTview began as a podcast on the Portland-based, Q-Radio. Portland was embroiled in the political scandal involving Mayor Sam Adams. One part of the community wanted Adams to resign, others wanted to him to keep fighting. I chatted with Lewis and Clark College’s Elliott Young, who was one of the first to start the ‘Support Sam’ campaign, which in 4 Days had over 3,400 supporters. Young had been on a media tour and had given numerous interviews all over town in 4 days. I was lucky to get him, even on a Sunday!
One of our early podcasts was the one on the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell with the creator of the blueprint, Nathaniel Frank and former soldier that help make it happen, Eric Alva. DADT was officially appealed a year later. Listen Here for that episode.
From a podcast, Outview became a blog with our specialty in the video interview. We were the first LGBTQ outlet to cover the red carpet of the Seattle International Film Festival. Outview was the first LGBTQ outlet to cover PNW fashion shows. We also traveled to LA, NY and Washington DC to cover the passing of marriage equality or to cover the NY and LA GLAAD Awards.
One of our proudest moments was when we confronted, Rep. Barney Frank and Rep. Jim Mcdermott on trans protections in ENDA. Another was a 3-part series on anti-bullying including a chat with actor/writer Jesse Archer, who grew up in Oregon.
As part of the OUT NW family, I am proud that OUTview will continue as an Op-Ed series on Outnw.com.
We encourage the public to sign up a contributor and share your opinion of issues facing the LGBTQ community in the Pacific NW.
Here’s to another 15 Years!
