Snowball Countdown — Building a Community

Snowball is all about growing our community — not by handing out toasters in exchange for recruits — but by celebrating achievements, not only in the trans world, but in the greater world.  Since its first event, in an attic room above the Coastal Kitchen, Snowball has called out to LGBT activists around the world and politicians who have made a difference.  

This year, when Snowball is celebrated at the Café Metropolitain on December 12, the work continues.  A number of community service awards will be granted to individuals meriting commendation for their work.   In the past,  awards were presented to individuals like State Senator Ed Murray, who wrote the bill making discrimination based on gender identity illegal in our state.   Individuals like Gender Outlaw author Kate Bornstein whose words and sense of humor brought a different reflection to our community.   Individuals like Jen Burleton, whose Portland-based TransActive organization brings information and comfort to a new generation of families that no longer need to face gender issues in young children with silence. 

Ours is a community that needs individuals like these to stand out.  Few of us are prepared to face the public scrutiny, the merciless suffering, and the economic trials that often come with community activism.  Through the years, Snowball has been an opportunity to thank these folks that improve our lives.   By supporting Snowball, you too have the opportunity to say thanks. 

Snowball is now less than two weeks away.  Remember that the evening begins at 6 pm and goes on all night, December 12, at the glamorous Café Metropolitain at 1701 E. Olive Way on Capitol Hill.   Tickets are on sale at the door for only $9.