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Visitors to Portland can experience huge LGBTQ+ Pride parades, drag performances, queer film festivals, dance parties and more.
Portland’s queer community includes a Guinness World Record holding drag queen, gay dance clubs and sports leagues, community organizations, and dozens of LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Portland was also the first major city to elect an openly gay mayor (Sam Adams in 2008).
Note: This section was produced in collaboration with ProudQueer.com, formerly known as PQ Monthly.
LGBTQ+ History in Portland
Portland’s LGBTQ+ history likely goes back to the first human inhabitants of the area. According to the First Nations Two-Spirit Collective, native people have celebrated gender and sexual minorities for millennia. Explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark noted a number of encounters with such individuals in Oregon. While some tribes have struggled to keep these traditions alive in the face of colonial influences, the Portland Two-Spirit Society is evidence of the resurgence of Two-Spirit pride.
Portland’s gay communities first found widespread visibility, and later organization, through the local media. In 1970, not long after the riots at Stonewall, John Wilkinson and Holly Hart wrote about Portland’s queer community in the Willamette Bridge. They called for gays and lesbians to organize, and the Portland Gay Liberation Front (PGLF) was born.
Credit: NASHCO Photo
After the formation of the PGLF, advances in gay rights began to mount. Two years later, in 1972, Oregon became the fourth state to repeal its sodomy laws (enacted in 1853). By 1973, Rep. Vera Katz (who later became Portland’s mayor) had introduced the state’s first gay rights bill, which failed to pass by just two votes. There were even enough gay rights groups to hold an Oregon Gay Political Caucus. The following year, the Portland City Council adopted a resolution barring employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Portland’s first gay pride celebration took the form of indoor events such as dances, sponsored by The Second Foundation. The first outdoor public pride festival was held in 1975.
LGBTQ+ Pride in Portland
Connect with Portland's queer community every day.
LGBTQ+ Nightlife
Portland has no shortage of LGBTQ-owned and queer-friendly bars and clubs. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing night with friends, a high-energy dance party or a drag show, Portland delivers.
Portland Pride
Every summer, the Portland Pride Festival & Parade makes a name for itself — and LGBTQ+ community members — all over town.
Drag in Portland
Indulge in Portland’s artful drag scene with local stars like Poison Waters, burlesque dancers like Jayla Rose and acrobatic drag shows all over the city.
Portland saw its first AIDS-related death in 1982, and by 1983, Cascade AIDS Project and PALS (Personal Active Listeners) were formed. The 1980s also saw the beginnings of still-vibrant community institutions such as Esther’s Pantry, Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, Portland Lesbian Choir and Equity Foundation.
In 1988, the Oregon LGBTQ+ community met a foe that would provide the impetus for the next decade of activism. The Oregon Citizens Alliance (OCA), a conservative Christian group, sponsored Measure 8, which ultimately succeeded in repealing Gov. Goldschmidt’s executive order prohibiting the executive branch from discriminating based on sexual orientation in employment. The measure was overruled by the Oregon Supreme Court in 1992.
The OCA continued to fight against gay rights with 1992’s Measure 9, which sought to prevent “special rights” for gay, lesbian and bisexual people. This became a galvanizing battle for the community and led to the creation of the state’s primary LGBTQ+ rights organization, Basic Rights Oregon in 1996.
In 2006, Q Center —Portland’s first new LGBTQ+ community center since 1978— opened its doors. The following year, the Oregon legislature passed bills banning discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, public accommodations and employment based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Portland voters took that sentiment to heart in 2008 when they elected Sam Adams, the first openly gay mayor of a major U.S. city.
Adams led the Portland City Council in 2011 to unanimously make the health insurance policy for city employees transgender-inclusive. The state continues to be a leader in healthcare for transgender people.
In 2014, a U.S. District Court judge made marriage legal for all couples in the state after overturning Oregon’s ban on same-sex marriages. The Oregon district attorney declined to defend the law when it was challenged in a federal lawsuit, and the decision went into effect immediately. This was ten years after Multnomah County attempted to issue some of the first gay marriage licensesin the country in 2004.
In February 2015, Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown made history as the nation’s first openly bisexual governor when she was appointed to the position following then-Governor John Kitzhaber’s resignation. Brown, the 37th governor of Oregon, has long been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and organizations throughout the state.
For more on Portland’s rich LGBTQ+ history, visit the Gay and Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest (GLAPN). Trace the footsteps of Portland’s queer community with their self-guided walking tour.
LGBTQ+ Community
Find LGBTQ+-owned restaurants, bars and other organizations to support on the Oregon Pride in Business (ORPIB) website, or search Portland’s Gay Directory.
Credit: NASHCO Photo
When not touring internationally, Portland Gay Men’s Chorus performs locally throughout the year. The annual holiday concert is a Portland tradition.
Portland Lesbian Choir is an all-inclusive choir that welcomes people of various gender identities, sexual orientations, and musical abilities. It strives to provide thoughtful entertainment at its semi-annual concerts and community performances.
Athletic Clubs and Outdoor Exploration
Connect with Portland’s queer community and do something to benefit both your physical and mental health by signing up for a run, hike, kayak trip, or other activity hosted by one of Portland’s queer workout clubs or outdoor adventure groups.
For group fitness in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment, drop by Prism Moves. Experienced instructors offer strength and conditioning classes seven days a week.
Whether you’re a hardcore runner, or just like long walks outdoors, Portland Frontrunners has a weekly event to help you get you r miles in. Each run, walk or trail run is followed by socializing at a local bar or brunch spot.
Credit: Jason Hill for better.
The Adventure Group welcomes LGTBQ+ and LGBTQ+-friendly people to their hiking, kayaking, and winter cross country skiing activities. RSVP via Meetup.com.
PDX Lesbian Network organizes outdoor activities such as hiking, snowshoeing and rafting. Join their Facebook group to see upcoming events.
Gay Sports Leagues in Portland
Out Loud Sports organizes a variety of recreational sports activities throughout the year, including kickball, soccer, yoga, strength training and the occasional Mario Kart tournament. Everyone is welcome to participate regardless of sexuality, gender identity, or experience.
You can also show your support for Portland’s queer community by attending an amateur athletic event. Local leagues include:
- Portland Gay Volleyball Club
- NetRippers (soccer)
- PDX Pride Bowling League
- Rose City Softball Association
- Rosetown Ramblers (square dancing)
Portland is also the home to the professional women’s soccer team, The Portland Thorns FC, and a women’s full-contact football team the Portland Fighting Shockwave. Portland’s roller derby team, The Rose City Rollers, are three-time world champions.
Credit: Steve Mancini
Speaking of roller skating, Oaks Park hosts a Gay Skate night every first and third Monday of the month from 7 -9:30 p.m. There are also open skate sessions throughout the day, Tuesday through Sunday. Open skate sessions are $12 per person and include skate rental.
LGBTQ+ Community Groups and Resources
Safe Spaces and LGBTQ+ Support Centers in Portland
Portland is home to numerous safe spaces and mental health resources for people of all gender identities, including Q Center, the largest LGBTQ+ center in the Pacific Northwest. Q Center welcomes all LGBTQ2SIA+ people and provides peer support services for different ages and gender identities.
The oldest domestic violence shelter on the West Coast, Bradley Angle is also the only agency in Portland that provides support for LGBTQ+ domestic violence survivors. They work with people of all gender identities and are polyamory and kink-friendly.
Pride Foundation supports LGBTQ+ equality in Oregon. Building on its first Oregon grant awarded in 1991 supporting the development of LGBTQ+-focused domestic violence services, Pride Foundation has been growing support for local Oregon organizations and scholars thanks to donors and volunteers.
Cascade Aids Project is dedicated to HIV/AIDS prevention and supporting those living with HIV/AIDS. The project also runs Pivot, a drop-in space for gay, bisexual and transgender men.
Our House provides healthcare, housing and other vital services to low-income people living with HIV/AIDS. Associated organizations (Esther’s Pantry and Tod’s Corner) provide food, clothing and personal care items to those in need living with HIV/AIDS.
Outside In is a social service organization that helps homeless youth and other marginalized people, including transgender, non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming individuals. Their Federally-Qualified Clinic provides medical services for youth ages 13-14 (with a guardian), teenagers, adults and seniors.
Rose Haven is a day shelter and community center serving women, children and gender-nonconforming people in Portland. Community health workers and student nurses are available to address medical needs.
The Sexual Minority Youth Recreation Center (SMYRC) provides a safe, welcoming environment for minority and LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-23. The supportive environment includes positive activities like art, music, community organizing, open mic nights, drag shows, and support groups. SMYRC also provides case management services, counseling, education, and more.
Community Organizations
Dykes on Bikes supports a diverse community of women, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, through rides, charity events, Pride events and education. There are Dykes on Bikes PDX rides Saturday and Sunday except in bad weather. Visit the DOBPDX Facebook Page for upcoming event information.
Northwest Gender Alliance provides support and social opportunities for transgender, transsexual and cross-dressing individuals. Connect with their welcoming community via the Northwest Gender Alliance Facebook Group.
The Portland chapter of PFLAG supports LGBTQ+ individuals and their families in the greater Portland metro area. Keep an eye on PFLAG’s events for upcoming LGBTQ+-friendly community activities.
Portland Frontrunners host events every weekend and most Tuesdays. If running’s not your thing, check out Varsity Gay League‘s weekly dodgeball and kickball games.
LGBTQ+ Festivals & Events
Portland’s LGBTQ+ community might consider July Pride month, but there are celebrations all year long. Here are some of the best LGBTQ+ film, music, drag and comedy events
Fertile Ground Festival
Unlike “fringe” festivals in other cities, Portland’s Fertile Ground Festival only includes performances by local artists and theater companies, and it’s non-juried. The 11-day event every January provides a platform for underrepresented voices and gives audiences a chance to experience innovative multi-media performances, musical and traditional theater, dance and even comedy.
Red Dress Party
As the name implies, a red dress is required for entry to the Red Dress Party — no matter the gender of the guest. This annual soiree, which happens in June, started in 2001 as a basement party and has grown into a large-scale event attended by more than 2,000 people and raising upwards of $30,000 for local LGBTQ+ organizations each year.
Portland Pride Month
Portland Pride Festival and Parade
Portland’s official LGBTQ+ Pride Festival and Parade includes two days of festivities in Waterfront Park in addition to the annual parade. The weekend celebration attracts visitors from up and down the West Coast and big-name performers.
Portland Black Pride
Typically running concurrently with the Portland Pride Festival, Portland Black Pride provides opportunities for African-American members of the LGBTQ+ community to connect and celebrate their culture.
Portland Gay Prides Pageant
Pride Northwest hosts the annual Portland Gay Prides Pageant. With categories including theme look, formal wear and talent, the contestants help realize Pride Northwest’s mission of showcasing their communities’ history, accomplishments, and talents.
Coronation Ball
Every October The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court, Oregon’s oldest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) organization, hosts its annual coronation ball (crowning its emperors and empresses). Members of the court serve as leaders in community fundraising efforts.
QDoc
Portland’s queer documentary film festival, QDoc, was co-founded by David Weissman (“We Were Here”) and attracts filmmakers from across the country to screen their works at Hollywood Theatre every November.
Queer Community Events
Celebrate Portland's vibrant LGBTQ+ community at these upcoming events.
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