LGBT Portland: A Beacon of Food, Drink and the Outdoors

In This Section

Nightlife
Festivals & Events
Arts & Culture
Drag & Performance Art
Sports & Recreation
LGBT History
LGBT Hotel Package
Resources

This section was produced in collaboration with PQ Monthly, dedicated to serving the LGBTQ communities of Oregon and Southwest Washington in all their diversity. PQ Monthly is published on the third Thursday of every month and updated daily online.

Portland may be where young people go to retire, but it is also where LGBTQ people go to thrive. And it's no surprise. In addition to vibrant arts and nightlife scenes, Portland is known for its progressive politics and accepting attitude.

The city entered the national spotlight when, in 2008, it became the first major U.S. city to elect an openly gay mayor. Mayor Sam Adams is dedicated not only to LGBTQ rights and safety, but also to the promotion of arts and culture. In 2011, he led the city council in approving trans-inclusive health coverage for city employees. Portland has also been a trailblazer in marriage equality. Though same-sex couples cannot yet legally wed, Multnomah County was one of the first U.S. municipalities to try to marry same-sex couples in 2004.

Because Portland is such a supportive environment, you can find the LGBTQ community dispersed throughout the city — not just in the historically gay district on downtown's Stark Street. You can also see the influence of LGBTQ Portlanders in the city's art, music, dance and theatre scenes. Still, some of us prefer the track, field or court to the gallery or stage. Any way you slice it, we're everywhere. Won't you join us?