Yesterday’s Sexual Minorities Round Table Meeting, held at the Justice Center’s Chief Conference Room, was attended by 35-40 citizens, including Portland Police Bureau Assistant Chief Bret Smith, Citizen Co-Chair William Warren, Vice Crimes and Bias Crimes Detective Kevin Warren, Blow Pony founder Airick Heater, Blow Pony DJ Jose Cruz, and a host of concerned citizens and activists.The main topic of discussion, as per a typed itinerary, was to update and voice/hear more information regarding the attacks during Pride weekend at Casey’s Bar during Blow Pony.

The emphasis on the part of the Portland Police Bureau, as well as co-chair Warren, was primarily to hear concerns amongst the group, with particular focus placed upon the future investigations concerning incidences brought up by Cruz, Heater, and Audrey, a woman who was attacked at a Max station, also on June 14 an unrelated incident, because she was perceived by the attacker to be a transgender person

This was the first time both the PPB and the victims of violence from June 14 have met since the reporting of the incidents. PPB members, including investigating detective Michele Michaels, were asked not to attend the Queer Town Hall Meeting last week.

While exchanges were brought with civility by both sides (a majority of the people attending were observing and taking notes), there was a noted sense of protocol on the part of the PPB, including by Assistant Chief Smith, whose responses to updates of allegations and details heretofore unknown to him were typically countered with promises to look into the matter more closely after the meeting. Observances by Heater of the absence of first responding officer Sgt. Timothy Robinson for the meeting was brought up as being a dodge of responsibility. Assistant Chief Smith referred to all information regarding reported conduct of Sgt. Robinson on the evening in question to Detective Warren.

Both Heater and Cruz, along with several other members of Portland’s LGBTQ community, also expressed concern regarding the intimidating location of the SMRT meeting, explaining to Smith and William Warren that to address issues of alleged gay-bashing and police negligence at the Justice Center with an amplified police presence was an ill-advised measure.

It was my observation that all participating entities during the meeting appeared to be relieved at the open lines of communication, especially considering the sensitivity of the situation.

For further information on the SMRT meeting, pick up this Friday’s Just Out for a longer outline.