Gay Portland? (Presque Isle, Washburn: neighborhood, construction, living)

[migrjo]

DanPV -

If you're still following this thread, have you made a decision?

I was encouraged by the response here.

I'm moving to Portland in October, 2008 as a retiree. I'm also gay and I'm African-American. (I will search here for a similar discussion on Portland for African-Americans.)

I chose Portland after recommendations in John Villani's "The 100 Best Art Towns in America" and a ten year old article in "Utne" about America's most enlightened towns. That word "enlightened" is always a good sign!

I'm so sorry that you have been harrassed, not once but twice. I have come to believe that heterosexism is a minority aspect of heterosexuality and not representative of the larger heterosexual community. It seems we have more friends and allies every day. However, this is cold comfort if you're being threatened in your own home.

If you choose Portland I hope your experience is a happy one!

All the best,
M.

[danpv]

Hi M,

Yes, I'm still planning a southern Maine move next year.

If you don't mind the cold winters, my guess is that you'll like Portland; it's reputedly a fairly tolerant town.

Maine's crime rate is generally much lower than that of most other states, and many folk consider the issue of crime insignificant. While I understand that perspective, it's still the equivalent of arguing that a small cancer is better than a large one.

I recently came across some FBI crime data about Maine that were unsettling. Here's the general link; unfortunately I can't find the exact page to prove my point but it's there if you dig long and hard enough: Hate Crime Statistics, 2006.

The table I'm referring to showed Maine having the 2nd highest percentage rise in sexual orientation related hate crimes from 2005 to 2006 (Washington D.C. scored highest). Granted, if overall numbers are low, a slight increase in cases could spike a percentage increase, but this doesn't excuse the fact IMHO.

Not trying to discourage you, just a reality check that Maine lost its innocence long ago.

Good luck to you.

Originally Posted by migrjo

DanPV -

If you're still following this thread, have you made a decision?

I was encouraged by the response here.

I'm moving to Portland in October, 2008 as a retiree. I'm also gay and I'm African-American. (I will search here for a similar discussion on Portland for African-Americans.)

I chose Portland after recommendations in John Villani's "The 100 Best Art Towns in America" and a ten year old article in "Utne" about America's most enlightened towns. That word "enlightened" is always a good sign!

I'm so sorry that you have been harrassed, not once but twice. I have come to believe that heterosexism is a minority aspect of heterosexuality and not representative of the larger heterosexual community. It seems we have more friends and allies every day. However, this is cold comfort if you're being threatened in your own home.

If you choose Portland I hope your experience is a happy one!

All the best,
M.

[CapeCodder]

I've already met a couple of gay men...and we only moved here in May. They're natives and really didn't have anything negative to say. He did mention that he wouldn't live too far North...like past Waterville. He works at a bank in Farmington that offers domestic partner bennies...can't hate that.
I come from MA (you can't get much more liberal than that)...I honestly don't notice any difference in the tolerance here, and I was pretty surprised by that. I live a little west of Augusta.
Best of luck to you.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by CapeCodder

He did mention that he wouldn't live too far North...like past Waterville.

That's too funny. I live up in the Presque Isle/Caribou area and can say there is a very open segment that is open about their lifestyle. Haven't heard one person say negative about them or their choices. This is by far the most tolerant area for openly gay people I've ever lived in. While I myself am as straight as an arrow, I do have several gay friends and they have no problems up here. So, just another false perception of us "Hicks in the sticks" from the Portland area.

[elston]

Thank you for sharing that Bydand! It really is helpful to hear that. When you are part of a minority that has experienced violence and public condemnation--you do worry about such things. It is reassuring to read a post like yours.

[CapeCodder]

Originally Posted by Bydand

That's too funny. I live up in the Presque Isle/Caribou area and can say there is a very open segment that is open about their lifestyle. Haven't heard one person say negative about them or their choices. This is by far the most tolerant area for openly gay people I've ever lived in. While I myself am as straight as an arrow, I do have several gay friends and they have no problems up here. So, just another false perception of us "Hicks in the sticks" from the Portland area.

Good to know!

[migrjo]

"If you don't mind the cold winters..."

This made me chuckle.

My "summary" (above on the right) doesn't give my current location. I'll have to fix that (in my profile probably).

My home for the last nineteen years has been Minneapolis and Saint Paul. I understand Portland winters are warmer than what I am accustomed to.

M.

( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GLECPortlandME/ )

Originally Posted by danpv

Hi M,

Yes, I'm still planning a southern Maine move next year.

If you don't mind the cold winters, my guess is that you'll like Portland; it's reputedly a fairly tolerant town.

Maine's crime rate is generally much lower than that of most other states, and many folk consider the issue of crime insignificant. While I understand that perspective, it's still the equivalent of arguing that a small cancer is better than a large one.

I recently came across some FBI crime data about Maine that were unsettling. Here's the general link; unfortunately I can't find the exact page to prove my point but it's there if you dig long and hard enough: Hate Crime Statistics, 2006.

The table I'm referring to showed Maine having the 2nd highest percentage rise in sexual orientation related hate crimes from 2005 to 2006 (Washington D.C. scored highest). Granted, if overall numbers are low, a slight increase in cases could spike a percentage increase, but this doesn't excuse the fact IMHO.

Not trying to discourage you, just a reality check that Maine lost its innocence long ago.

Good luck to you.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by migrjo

My home for the last nineteen years has been Minneapolis and Saint Paul. I understand Portland winters are warmer than what I am accustomed to.

OK, so bring an extra set of shorts then, Portland winters are about half of what you have had the last 19 years.

[Unhappycamper]

I've met some gay dudes in Portland who were real cool guys. It was not like they were the "WERE HERE WERE ***** AND I DEFINE MYSELF 100% AS A HOMOSEXUAL" people either. Never met anyone here like that. I, personally think that helps keep the community more friendly. You will do fine in Portland.

[oceanfit185]

I have lived in Portland for 19 years now so maybe I can help.

Originally Posted by danpv

So be honest, how would YOU feel if a straight looking & acting single middle aged gay guy moved into your neighborhood?
TIA

When I was growing up his name was Mathew. He was a cool guy. If I remember correctly he baby sat while one of my brothers was being born. But I wouldn't say he ever "acted straight". He was a professional dancer, had a lisp and loved to help my mother decorate the house. So he was probably more stereotypical in those respects.

Originally Posted by danpv

I seriously doubt Portland has any gay neighborhoods, but in the remote chance that any gays are reading this, are there any Portland-area neighborhoods where the straight people won't panic if a nice quiet gay guy moves in?
TIA

When I was growing up it was a part of the West End. I think it has moved over time to a few blocks in the Munjoy Hill area. But I’m not sure. All the same, Portland has a healthy gay community.

Like anywhere in the world, Portland has some a$$holes. But the average person isn’t going to give you a hard time.

As for not wanting to buy. I would think you would want to get an apartment for a year or so, and then look at buying so you can see for yourself.

If you want to live in the boonies, its not a bad commute. Portland is Maine’s largest city, but that’s not saying much. I think the total population of the greater Portland area is like 100k. So you don’t have to drive far to get out there.

Come check it out. It’s a pretty cool place.