\u201cWe embrace weirdness,\u201d he says with an edge of finality.<\/span><\/p>\n Although he was born in Salem, it seems that Portland\u2019s one-of-a-kind vibe speaks to him far more than Salem\u2019s laid back, quiet nature. <\/span><\/p>\n Still, that doesn\u2019t mean he finds Portland to be the epitome of perfection. Like so many others that grace the digital pages of this fine publication, Portland seems to suffer the same image problem.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI wish Portland were more racially diverse,\u201d Jimmy says without hesitation. \u201cI would love to see more people of color in positions of leadership.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n He also fears for Portland\u2019s unique, weird vibe as it continues to grow.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWith the rapid changes from the population boom, I hope Portland stays funky and affordable for everyone,\u201d he says. <\/span><\/p>\n Sharing in Portland\u2019s interesting, unique culture dovetails quite nicely with Jimmy\u2019s creative endeavors, which include an array of interesting activities.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m passionate about my creative pursuits,\u201d he explains. \u201cI used to write for a column for the local LGBT news magazine, and I regularly participate in storytelling events like Mortified, Back Fence, The Moth, StorySLAM and the Mystery Box Show.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Other than enjoying a bit of storytelling every now and then, Jimmy spends his time reveling in the pleasures of pop culture and televised fun.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI grew up addicted to soap operas, game shows and radio countdowns,\u201d he explains, \u201cbut now my taste tends toward Oscar fare, Netflix binges, Spotify playlists and karaoke nights.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Ah, the joys that technology brings. A large part of enjoying such activities lies in the simple activity that gives Jimmy satisfaction in the meaning of life.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cLaughter,\u201d he simply answers when asked what makes him tick. \u201cWithout laughter, life would be meaningless.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond enjoying the pleasures of life with his partner of seven years, their cat, family and friends, Jimmy spends his time advocating on behalf of a cause he believes in, indeed the one that helps him put dinner on the table.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m the Communications and Marketing Director for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon, which works to maintain Oregon\u2019s status as the leading state for reproductive freedom,\u201d he says. <\/span><\/p>\n His work for Planned Parenthood is motivated by his strong support for what he calls \u201cthe freedom from religious tyranny, the freedom to love, economic and social justice.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n Reproductive rights are just a part of that overall mission. <\/span><\/p>\n With these things in mind, it\u2019s no wonder that Jimmy has stayed in Oregon, one of the last bastions of liberal thought and open-minded consideration (at least in Portland Metro). <\/span><\/p>\n No doubt, this is one <\/span>PDX Person<\/span><\/a> who fits right in with our cultural quilt and stands as a testament to the advocacy works so many Portlanders believe in. Whether you agree with him or not, one must admire Jimmy\u2019s fire and desire to keep up the fight. Portland could do well to call more passionate people like himself a resident.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n William Bessette<\/strong> \u2013 PDX People Contributor<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Follow William on: <\/strong> Facebook<\/u><\/a>\u00a0, Twitter<\/u><\/a>\u00a0 Connect with William on:<\/strong> LinkedIn<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"Jimmy](\"http:\/\/pdxpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Jimmy-Radosta.jpg\")
<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>William Bessette is a journalist and freelance writer who has been covering politics, entertainment, culture and travel for over thirteen years. When he\u2019s not profiling Portland-area restaurants and residents, you can find him reporting on national and international travel and eco-tourism through his travel brand, <\/em><\/strong>Floppy Hat Adventures<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n