I just finished a wonderful book by David Grant Kohl, “A Curious and Peculiar People.” It’s a very well-researched history of the Sexual Minoriy Communities of Northwest Oregon and the MCC of Portland. He starts with 1853 and moves through the decades. His purpose for writing the book was “to look into the roots of gay culture, the religious discussion over the morality of sexual orientation, and the changing attitudes of folks inside and outside the sexual orientation issue.”

My family has been in Portland since the late 1800’s, so it’s intriguing seeing all of the photographs of places and people that accompany each page. He’s also included a list of Portland area resources in the appendix.

I am going to say upfront that I’m straight and I don’t go to church, so you may wonder why I enjoyed the book so much. I would have to say that it’s a window into a culture I feel I didn’t know very much about, and a new perspective on Portland’s history.

It may be a little hard to track down a copy. I would suggest contacting the Metropolitan Community Church in Portland, or if you’re nice they may let you look at the bar copy at JOQ’s.

Related posts:

1. Can I Be Beautiful Too?
2. Book Signing at Bridge City Comics
3. Watchtower!
4. New for 2007: Chinook Book
5. The Bridge