Search LGBTQ+ Community
Visitors to Portland can experience huge LGBTQ+ Pride parades, drag performances, queer film festivals, dance parties and more.
Portland’s LGBTQ+ Community
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).
The Rose City has a long history of gay rights activism. The Portland Gay Liberation Front (PGLF) formed in 1970, not long after the riots at Stonewall. Two years later, Oregon became the fourth state to repeal its sodomy laws, and in 1974, the Portland City Council passed a law barring employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Read more about LGBTQ+ history in Portland.
LGBTQ+ Life in Portland
Is Portland LGBTQ+-friendly?
Are there community organizations for trans people in Portland?
How large is Portland’s LGBTQ+ community?
Where can I find a list of LGBTQ+-owned businesses?
Gay Pride in Portland
Portland held its first outdoor pride celebration in 1975. Since then, Pride has grown into a month-long event celebrated throughout the city.
The annual Portland Pride Festival and Parade takes place every summer. Activities include a two-day festival at Waterfront Park, multiple parades and performances by Portland’s Gay Men’s Chorus.
Portland’s thriving LGBTQ+ community can be found year-round at institutions and events across the city. Read the LGBTQ+ Nightlife article for traveler-favorite clubs and dance nights or learn more about Portland’s drag and burlesque scene. Find LGBTQ+-owned restaurants, bars and other organizations to support on the Oregon Pride in Business (ORPIB) website, or search Portland’s Gay Directory.
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.
LGBTQ+ Events and Activities
Connect with Portland's queer community.
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.
LGBTQ+ Performing Arts & Drag
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.
Community Organizations
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.
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. See more LGBTQ+ sports and recreation activities in Portland.
LGBTQ+ Events
Celebrate Portland's vibrant LGBTQ+ community at these upcoming events.
Darcelle XV’s Weekend Drag Show
Darcelle XV and Company have been entertaining audiences from all walks of life for over 50 years with Las Vegas-style cabaret revues of Glitz, Glamour and Comedy. Stop by when you are in Portland and you will be glad that you did! We have traveled the United States presenting a show that you have to…
Portland Gay Men’s Chorus
It’s the day of the show, y’all, and the Portland Gay Men's Chorus has set out to put on “the gayest holiday concert of all time”. Inspired by classic variety and sketch shows — with a modern twist — enjoy as PGMC presents a joyous and humorous extravaganza filled with holiday cheer. One of Portland’s…
Swan Dive Diva Drag Brunch
Join Portland’s all-star drag queens and burlesque dancers every Saturday and Sunday for a heart-pumping performance complete with acrobatics, live singing, intricate custom-made outfits and sweat-defying artful makeup. Come prepared to tip generously and have a rowdy good time. The ticket price does not include food or alcohol. Doors open at 11 a.m., and the…
Gay Skate
Roll out with your friends and loved ones to the monthly Gay Skate Session, held the 1st and 3rd Monday night of the month. Everyone is welcome at this all-ages event at this all-ages event. Admission tickets allow the Oaks Park Roller Rink access for the selected Gay Skate Session date/time. Includes standard skate rental.
Kaliente Drag Brunch
Kharisma brings the heat with Kaliente, the newest Drag Brunch at your Stag PDX. Start your month with a bit of spice every 1st Sunday, with a show that has that extra kick that only Kharisma and her special guest performers can bring. Enjoy all-you-can-eat brunch options served from the buffet with mimosas available -…
Kinkfest
KinkFest is an annual, 3-day event celebrating sexual diversity and the BDSM, fetish and leather communities. KinkFest offers 50+ educational classes, afternoon and evening play parties, and a huge vendor mall filled with products and services from local and national leather, fetish and kink businesses. KinkFest welcomes ALL facets of the diverse leather, BDSM, fetish…
TAG! Queer Shorts Festival
TAG! Queer Shorts Festival is your Portland, Oregon-based international festival of short film, featuring work made exclusively by queer and trans directors. We are a sponsored program of the Historic Hollywood Theatre in Portland. TAG! Is moving into its second decade with an all-new 2024 selection. Featuring live program and special streaming blocks, the next…
Portland Pride
Every summer, the Portland Pride Festival & Parade makes a name for itself — and LGBTQ+ community members — all over town.
Drag Bingo
Get your ass to The Houston Blacklight for DRAG BINGO hosted by the one + only Peachy Springs every first Wednesday of the month. Play your favorite geriatric game-gone-glamorous with the queen of bingo for a chance to win prizes. Get there early cause they've got drink specials, and your girl’s got a following.
Liberace & Liza Holiday at the Mansion (A Tribute)
Don’t miss this exhilarating parade of musical and comical fireworks. Local favorites David Saffert and Jillian Snow have dazzled audiences from New York to Portland. Get ready for nonstop glamor and glitz as they take the stage as Liberace and Liza Minnelli. Featuring rousing musical numbers, enchanting costumes, and unforgettable laughs, this cheeky and delightful…
Great White Gives It Up
Great White Gets Off follows on a single night between Snakecharmer and Great White, two men who meet on a hook-up app. Looking for some fun, they embrace their dom/sub tendencies and start into roleplay, but what starts as tantalizing fun leads them into rocky ground as real life racial inequities seep into each scene…
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like ALASKA
You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout. I'm telling you why…International starlet of stage and screen Alaska Thunderfuck is coming to town- and she’s not only checked her list twice- she’s checked it thrice. Gather round the open fire and join Alaska and her longtime musical collaborator Jeremy in a…
THE BELLE SUPPER CLUB: A Burlesque Dinner Cabaret
Remember… what goes on AFTER HOURS at the VICTORIAN MANSION stays at the VICTORIAN MANSION. Escape the everyday and delve into cabaret dreams at THE BELLE SUPPER CLUB (located inside the enclosed and heated garden space) while enjoying dinner, cocktails, and delightfully dishy entertainment within the historic art nouveau surroundings of The Victorian Belle Mansion….
BodyMagick Burlesque Winter Showcase
The last show of 2023 is filled with gorgeous Babes ready to delight and tease you. Featuring debuts from the Fall Burlesque 101 course, new acts from the Burlesque 201+ students, The Teasettes and a special group act from the High Priestesses. Enjoy creating a world where all bodies and identities are honored for their…
Holiday Extravaganza
Celebrate the holiday season with Clarklewis. In the heart of the Central Eastside, Clarklwes is proud to ramp up the vintage nostalgia of the holiday season with a Holiday Extravaganza. Enjoy breakfast with Santa and a lively holiday drag show featuring your host, Donatella Nobody and DJ Aurora. Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit surrounded…
Burlynomicon – A Darkly Decadent Burlesque Revue
Burlynomicon – A Darkly Decadent Burlesque Revue invites you to another ghoulishly glorious evening.. the last of it's kind for the dreary year of 2023… filled with eerie and spectral holiday performance at The Coffin Club. Enter into this lush, decadent, and special speakeasy soiree through a hushed bar. You'll descend the staircase to be…
Entre Primaveras: Memories of a Migratory Bird by Natalia Cardona Puerta
Entre Primaveras is a mixed media and bilingual solo show by local artist @natsandme. Her new body of work speaks about their recent trip back home to Pereira, Colombia. It touches on the themes of migration, identity, and the meaning of Home as a patchwork of people, food, culture, and nature. Just as migratory birds…
S P A C E: SATURN – the drag show
A series that travels from the Sun, all the way to Pluto. Each show embodies and celebrates the magic, science, and myths of each planet. And now they're visiting… Saturn. Come early and dive into Saturn in your chart / in the sky with local astrologers, & peruse the wares of local queer artists and…
Drag Brunch at The Pharmacy
Join hostess Devlin Lynn Phoenixx and her cast of talented queens for a Sunday brunch experience you won’t soon forget. Your ticket includes admission to the show, your meal, AND your first mimosa. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. So grab your friends and get down to The Pharmacy for a spectacularly fun time.
Queer Cabaret: All-Ages Holiday Edition
Welcome to the All-Ages Holiday Queer Cabaret, presented by Rebels on Stage Productions. Join Atlantis Lounge (inside Mississippi Pizza) for a little bit of all your favorite things – drag, dance, music, comedy, and more – all done by queer performers and cast.
A Burly Carol
Warm yourself from winter's chill with the most sexy of holiday ghost tales that ever was told as Lacy Productions and The Alberta Rose Theater presents… A Burly Carol: A Burlesque Tale Inspired by "A Christmas Carol". Advance discounted tickets are now AVAILABLE. Purchase today. Lacy Productions SELL OUT early. Don't be a humbug… get…
The Living End: An Irresponsible Drag Tribute to Gregg Araki
Ever feel like reality is more twisted than dreams? Marla Darling presents The Living End: An irresponsible drag tribute to Gregg Araki and independent Queer cinema. Hosted by Wolfgang X and Prince Peanutbutter Featuring performances by: The Drag Dangerzone Coven (Miss Aurora, Marla Darling, and Valerie DeVille)Marla DarlingDemetrious DarlingRobyn RobotronFrisky the Transgender ReindeerRomie Romakone-half NelSonTula…
Queer Eye for the Magi
Experience some of Portland’s best queer entertainers as they take to the stage to celebrate and commiserate the holidays together. Dru Rutledge and Jimmy Wilcox reunited with their undeniable chemistry, impeccable voices, and holiday hijinks. They are thrilled to share the stage with the sensational drag pianist Saint Syndrome, the lowest bass with the smallest…
Bearracuda Portland New Year's Eve
Join the FIRST EVER Bearracuda New Year's Eve in Portland. Countdown to 2024 and DANCE TILL 3 a.m. at Bearracuda. With a midnight countdown with 650 friends on Sunday, December 31st. Very special guest DJ from Sydney, Australia: Paul Goodyear (Portland debut) provides the soundtrack to the final hours of the year. Hot GoGos, Visuals…
DAPPERLESQUE: A Gender Bending Burlesque Cabaret
Dare to be different. Dare to be desirous. Dare to be DAPPER. And a DAPPER NEW YEAR. Experience a stylishly seductive, decidedly debonair gender-bending medley of burlesque and drag as Lacy Productions and The Alberta Rose Theatre present DAPPERLESQUE: A Gender Bending Burlesque Cabaret. Bringing you the most smartly-dressed, dashingly sultry, and dare we say,…
Fearless: A Taylor Swift Drag Show
Join a handful of Portland’s brightest drag talent in celebrating Taylor Swift’s seventeen-year career of songwriting, tours, concert films, and friendship bracelets. With the Clinton Street Theater’s film screen as a backdrop, you can expect a multimedia spectacle of queer joy, empowerment, and drama. The last show (Ceremonials: A Florence + The Machine Drag Show)…
Booklover's Burlesque – Erotica Edition
Booklover’s Burlesque is the world’s sexiest literary salon, which matches titillating, inspiring, and empowering book readings with burlesque, boylesque, and draglesque performances all in one show. A Booklover's Burlesque special edition at The Alberta Rose Theatre just in time for the sexiest season of the year. Professional readers, actors, and/or local authors and writers read…
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