Big Trans Welcome!

 
So, you're finally ditching that state where they think "queer" is a slur and "trans rights" are a punchline? Honey, we've been expecting you. Oregon's got everything you need to thrive: stunning scenery, a killer food scene, and a community that's so queer-friendly, people get annoyed when you ask which neighborhood is the "gayborhood." (Seriously, we're everywhere!)
 
You're here, you're queer, annnd we have a whole heap of resources to help you get settled in the Beaver State. Consider this your cheat sheet to Oregon's queerest and most fabulous offerings. 
 

Fast Facts About The Beaver State:

The Beaver State: Yep. So gay.
State Flower: Oregon Grape. (We have wine.)
Current Governor: Tina Kotek, Lesbian, Governor Till Jan 2027
Population: Approximately 4.2 million residents in the state. Oregon has the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ residents per capita among all U.S. states. 7.8% identify as LGBTQ. Everybody gay. 
 

General Goodness:

  • WeRQ Together: You’re already here! We have loads, tons, and heaps of resources around these parts. Browse or search all spaces to find community groups, sport clubs, and so much more. 
  • Basic Rights Oregon: They have resources and legal information for trans Oregonians.
  • PDX Org Hub: Not specifically QT, but pretty awesome. Portland particularly has a lot going on when it comes to mutual aid. There are folks working to make sure everyone has access to the things they need. From covid tests, air purfiers, masks, food pantries, free fridges and more.
 

Finding Your Nest:

  • Facebook Groups: Join groups like "Portland Queer Housing" and "Eugene Queer Housing" to find roommates and apartments.
  • Oregon Housing & Community Services: They can help you find affordable housing options.
  • Find a Roommate: Fill out the form HERE and we’ll TRY to match you with a roommate.
  • Roomies: Someone let me know if this site is legit?? It seems neat. Rooms available tagged LGBT+ Friendly.
 

For The Youth:

  • TransActive Gender Project: Support groups for adults/families and youth age 4-18, screened referrals to mental health & medical providers experienced in youth care. 
  • SMYRC (Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center): Omgosh this place is such an incredible resource. For LGBTQIA2S+ youth age 13-24.
  • Outside In: They offer healthcare and social services to LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. 
 

Landing That Dream Job:

  • WorkSource Oregon: They've got job placement and training programs all over the state. Tons of jobs.
  • Oregon Pride in Business (LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce): Connect with queer-owned businesses and find job openings. Not a lot of jobs unfortunately. But still worth a check every once in awhile.
  • Idealist: Non-profit job board that makes it easy to value match with your employer.
  • Everywhere is Queer Job Board: Download the app to view all job listings. You'll want to adjust the filters to just see local posts.
 

Taking Care of Your Mind and Body:

  • Oregon Health Plan: Oregon's Medicaid program covers a wide range of gender-affirming care.
  • Q Center: Portland's Q Center offers support groups, educational events, gender and name-change clinics, and a gender affirming career closet!
  • Marie Equii Center: Community care at its finest. Day center for LGBTQ+ folks with showers, laundry services, resource navigation, wound care and more. 
 

Recovery Resources:

Trans-Specific Support:

  • TransPDX.org: All the best trans things to kickstart your introduction to Portland. 
  • GenderGuide.org: Find affirming providers all across Oregon. Seriously, check it out. 
  • OHSU Transgender Health Program: This program provides a wide range of medical and surgical care for trans folks. You can follow the head of the program too, @QueerSurgeon. 
  • Portland Trans Awareness Project: Everybody Trans? We wish! PTAP will help you find trans owned businesses, service providers, and creatives. 
 

Get Your Entertainment On:

 

Find Food For Free:

  • FREE FRIDGE MAP: fridges stocked all around town
  • Hand Up Project/People's Pantry: The only queer operated pantry in the city. Located at Q Center 4115 N Mississippi Avenue, the pantry is open Monday's 12-4, Tuesdays 12-4 and the 4th Saturday of the month 10am-1pm. Shopping style. (get there when they open for all the produce goodies, by the end of it there's usually not much)
  • William Temple House: Shopping style pantry. Also provide resource navigation and can help folks sign up for SNAP. Mental health services and faith-neutral spiritual services. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 11:00am–2:00pm (drop-in)
  • Clay Street Table: Shopping style pantry. 4th Thursdays of the month, from 11am-12pm.
  • Oregon Food Bank: Food Finder - map with food hot-spots all over the Portland metro area

More Than Just The Most Beautiful Mountains and Trees You’ve Ever Seen In Your Whole Freakin’ Life

Oregon's got the looks and the brains/heart/soul/morals/good-stuff. We've been fighting for LGBTQ+ rights for decades, and it shows:
  • Equality Rules: The Oregon Equality Act protects you from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • Conversion Therapy is Banned: We said "boy, bye" to that harmful practice.
  • Gender-Affirming Care is Covered: Oregon Medicaid is leading the way in covering gender-affirming treatments.
  • Update Your ID with Ease: Changing your gender marker on your driver's license is a piece of cake. Seriously, you just check whatever box you want. 
 
Ready to trade your backwards state for Oregon's progressive paradise? Come on over, honey! We'll leave the porch light on.
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