834-2021

Whereas, the presence and visibility of the Lesbian,  Gay,  Bisexual,  Transgender,  Queer,  Intersex,  Asexual, Two-Spirit and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQIA2S+) communities is vital to the quality of life of all residents and visitors alike in the City of Portland,  a city of bridges that is known as a safe harbor and home for this community; and 

Whereas, the City of Portland is committed to diversity, social justice, equity, and mutual respect as a fundamental aspect of a healthy community; and 

Whereas, Darcelle XV Showplace opened on Northwest Third and Davis in 1967, making it Portland’s oldest drag club and home to the longest-running drag show on the West Coast; and 

Whereas, Darcelle XV was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2020, as the Showplace is one of the only two known drag cabarets to open prior to 1970 in the United States; and 

Whereas, Darcelle’s owner,  Walter W. Cole,  who performed and is still performing  as part of the company,  holds the Guinness World Record as the World’s Oldest Performing Drag Queen; and 

Whereas, Walter W. Cole’s visionary dream has captured the spirit of Portland and woven Darcelle’s into the fabric of our city; and 

Whereas, the long and ongoing struggle of the (LGBTQIA2S+) communities for basic civil and human rights continues to provide inspiration to all those who work against discrimination and oppression; and 

Whereas, now more than ever, we must not overlook the (LGBTQIA2S+) community, nor allow them to be invisible during physical and social distancing measures and attacks on their rights across the country. 

Now,  therefore, I,  Ted Wheeler,  Mayor of the City of Portland,  Oregon,  the “City of Roses, ” do hereby proclaim November 16 of 2021 to be

Darcelle Day 

in Portland and encourage all residents to observe this day.