Summary

Part 1 takes place over the years 1998-1999. Chapter 1 is titled “My People.” It opens with Andrea talking about Portland in the nineties how it was “hard to get to. Hard to leave” (3). She compares Portland to Seattle and San Francisco and the music and tech booms happening at the time. Andrea remembers leaving Nebraska for college in Portland and coming out as gay. She gives background on her first significant lesbian relationship of three years with Flynn. Flynn’s desire for an open relationship ended their relationship. Andrea decides to go out with friends to meet someone new. While out, she sees Vivian, another ex, who has become a friend. The women talk and Andrea thanks Vivian for “being there for me when I was really in the worst of it” (8). Andrea sees Ryan, the drummer from the band Cold Shoulder. They are...