Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
One of the most common thoughts you might have before relocating anywhere is how accepting the locals are towards the LGBTQ+ lifestyle. It is a very valid concern and something that sadly still needs to be considered in this day and age.
To help queer folx who are considering moving to Gay Oregon, we have put together this guide from experts on the ground, considering the pros and cons of life here, discussing LGBT rights in Oregon and whether Oregon embraces our community.
We also take a look at the most gay-friendly cities in Oregon and LGBT community organizations in Oregon that you should be aware of!
If you’ve ever been to Oregon, you know that the state is one of the most geographically diverse areas in the country. The state of Oregon has a mild climate and is very popular for green energy, technology, coffee, timber production, and craft brews.
This is one of the states that has a little something for everyone. Oregon, a land of diverse attractions and opportunities, is also home to some of the world’s most renowned companies, like Adidas and Nike, fueling a booming economy ideal for those seeking financial stability. Adding to its appeal, Oregon’s vibrant city of Portland is graced with the Burnside Triangle, a bustling epicenter of LGBTQ+ culture and community, reflecting the state’s inclusive and dynamic spirit.
If you’re looking to improve your health, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a lot of farmland in Oregon, and you will enjoy visiting the local farmer’s markets. Oregon has cherries, green peas, beets, apples, potatoes, and so much more, so you’ll be able to have fresh ingredients for your meals every day.
While this is all ok and attractive to the average person, the truth is that a lot goes into considering whether a state is a right place for you to move to. People in our community have to consider whether the state is inclusive and welcoming and whether there are laws in place to protect us from discrimination. And on this front – we have good news!
Oregon was actually one of the first states to pass anti-discrimination laws on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public accommodations and has continued to push the envelope on queer rights and acceptance. Therefore it is no wonder that the state of Oregon is famed as one of the most inclusive and welcoming states for the LGBTQ community.
Locals in Oregon are supportive of the LGBTQ community, and they work together with the community to create a supportive and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their gender identity or their sexual orientation. Oregon also has laws in place that protect transgender people against discrimination. Currently, transgender people in the state are allowed to change the gender marker on their driver’s licenses and other identification documents.
The state also has plenty of cities and neighborhoods that are known to be LGBTQ-friendly, like Ashland and Portland, so you can be sure that there’s a space for you in this state no matter where you choose to live.
To reduce the stress of your potential relocation, we recommend engaging a gay realtor in Oregon early in the process to help you find your new perfect home there. They will have up-to-the-minute information on the best cities and areas for LGBT people and be able to match your needs to a neighborhood most suited to you.
You can just start with a no-obligation conversation, and if you decide to continue with your move to Oregon – they will not only have your best interests at heart but also ensure you are treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire process.
In this article we will cover...
Highlights Of Moving To Gay Oregon
It’s hard not to get enthusiastic about the unique and tempting proposition that moving to Oregon presents – especially once you get chatting with residents and long-time locals in the know about all their state’s hidden gems and best-kept secrets. After all, this is why many chose to live here.
Once you move here, you should quickly befriend locals, let them ‘spill the tea’ and then spend your free time discovering the best sights, food, nature and culture Oregon has to offer. On top of this, thanks to an offbeat yet deeply engaged LGBT community – which congregates at a few fabulous queer hot spots – securing a relocation to Oregon should allow you to meet local queer people with similar interests.
We are certain locals will have many more to add, but to get you excited, here are just a few highlights to look forward to as you become Oregon’s newest denizen.
Pride
Oregon is a state known for its diversity, and LGBT-friendliness. The state is home to cities such as Portland that host awesome Pride events and festivals all through the year that offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate those in the LGBTQ community and all they do for the region.
The city of Bend hosts the Central Oregon Pride Festival, while Astoria, a historic city, is home to Astoria Pride. Oregon is also home to Yachats Pride which offers drag performances, live music, a puppy parade, and lots of food and drink.
Queer Indoor And Outdoor Activities
Bend, Oregon, is an outdoorsy city that hosts one of the biggest Pride festivals, second only to Portland. The city also has plenty of events throughout the year, such as the 5K Pride Run and Drag Dash, as well as OUT on the Runway a day before the Pride Run.
Bend also hosts LGBTQ+ Climb Night and OUT in the Wild Adventures, which offers programs related to outdoor skills such as backpacking and rock climbing.
LGBT-owned Businesses
Wherever you choose to live in Oregon, there’s no shortage of LGBTQ businesses for you to support. Whether it’s queer-friendly clubs and bars or you are simply looking to network with other LGBTQ+ professionals, Oregon will deliver.
The Oregon Pride In Business is the center for all queer professionals in the state and brings together resources and people that support businesses in the state.
LGBTQ+ Rights In The USA
The laws governing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have altered considerably over time in the United States and vary from state to state. In many ways, LGBT rights are some of the best in the world – but the devil is in the detail, and some places are much more hostile to queer life than others.
While same-sex marriage has been legal in every state since the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling on June 26, 2015 (before Obergefell v. Hodges, same-sex marriage was legal in 36 states and Washington, D.C. ), LGBT people are still treated differently in different states – both societally and as inequality under the law.
Over half of all states still allow discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, while counties and cities within states often have distinct laws as well. While some states permit adoption by all couples, others forbid it for all unmarried couples.
This is all to say what most of us already know is that LGBT rights and equality differ greatly across the USA, and the specifics of family, marriage and anti-discrimination laws are different in every state.
Thus, while it is comforting to know that you can choose to marry whoever you love across the USA (and have it recognized as such) and are protected against hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity (which can be punished under Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009), there are still many questions you will likely have about moving to Oregon and what you can expect of LGBT life there.
Does Oregon Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
Oregon is a state that loves the LGBTQ+ community and has become one of the top travel destinations for people from all walks of life. The state has become a tent for all, and its city Portland is the center of all queer activity on the West Coast after San Francisco.
The state is home to Darcelle XV in Portland, which is in the National Register of Historic Places, thanks to its roles in advancing gay rights and the acceptance of drag.
The center has been a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community. Oregon is a diverse and LGBTQ-friendly state with many inclusive communities outside Portland. The state had the country’s first openly transgender mayor in 2008, and in 2013, three sports teams (Trail Blazers, Portland Thorns, and Timbers), became the first pro teams to support gay marriage.
In 2016, the state became the country’s first to elect an openly queer governor after voting for Governor Kate Brown. Unlike many other states that haven’t caught up yet, Oregon is very progressive thinking, and you won’t have to look twice over your shoulder for your safety when holding hands with your partner in most places.
Is Oregon An Expensive State To Move To?
Oregon is quite popular for its coastlines and mountains. However, you should also know that the cost of living here is a little high at 24% higher than the national average. It is the 7th most expensive U.S. state to live in. Let’s take a look at some of the costs you will have to incur while living here.
Housing
Oregon housing is not cheap, especially in the urban areas where people scramble for what they can get. The mortgage rates haven’t been left behind and are steadily rising. A single-family home in the state costs about $525,000 as opposed to the U.S. average of $454,800. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs about $1,400 per month, while a three-bedroom goes for about $2,500.
Utilities
Utilities in Oregon are lower than the country’s average, and you should expect your monthly electricity bill to cost around $120, which is 42% lower than the U.S. average.
Food Costs
Oregon isn’t cheap when it comes to groceries either. The food here will cost you 8% more than the U.S. average, and a single adult should expect to spend around $4,000 on food each year. Two adults living together should expect an annual bill of around $7,340 for food.
Transportation
Transport in Oregon is more expensive than the country’s average, and you can also expect to spend 26% more on transportation costs than in other parts of the country. Even so, most of the state’s larger cities are known to be bicycle-friendly, so now is the time to prepare to cruise down those bike lanes if you want to save some money.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Oregon
Wherever you live, it is essential that you support LGBT organizations in any way you can use so that they can keep reaching out to and assisting other, more vulnerable members of the community. After all, we are stronger when we work together, and each of us will likely have a time in our lives when we require a little extra support.
Thankfully, Oregon has a supportive and diverse LGBTQ community, which has helped the state become more gay-friendly in recent years.
As a result, there are a variety of LGBT resources available to community members, their allies, friends, and families – and you ought to feel free to utilize them or consider giving your support as needed to keep your new home state moving forwards! They are also great places to meet new people and find your queer chosen family in Gay, Oregon.
Q Center is known to be the Pacific Northwest’s largest LGBTQ+ center. It offers a safe space for all LGBTQ2SIA+ people and celebrates visibility, community-building, and diversity through hosting a range of events, advocacy work, and workshops.
The center also offers peer support services for a range of gender identities and ages as well as weekly and monthly support groups like LGBTQ Bipolar and Depression Support Alliance, Trans Guys, and Aging With Pride.
The goal of OUT Central Oregon is to encourage community engagement while advancing LGBTQ+ visibility, inclusivity, and advocacy. The organization educates the LGBTQ+ community and the general public through open forums, talks, film screenings, get-togethers, and outdoor activities.
They also act as a conduit for data relevant to the nearby LGBTQ+ community. OUT Central Oregon also backs initiatives and debates that promote the well-being and knowledge of Central Oregon’s varied population through cultural and educational endeavors.
The purpose of Pride Northwest is to promote and celebrate the diversity of LGBTQ+ communities and to aid in the learning of all people by creating events that highlight the background, successes, and skills of these groups.
In addition to recognizing the contributions and successes of the LGBTQIA2S+ community to the region, the organization is committed to upholding the original goals of Pride by continuing to raise awareness of the problems that the local community faces and taking action to address them.
Most Gay-Friendly Cities In Oregon
In Oregon, there are many wonderful areas to live in, but when relocating to LGBTQ Oregon, you should be cognizant that there are a few cities and gaybourhoods that are nearer to the queer hubs of life. Knowing them will allow you to pull your U-Haul up to your new house in a gay-friendly neighborhood or town that is best suited to your needs.
If you’re a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise queer person seeking a welcoming neighborhood with facilities you’ll cherish, start with these top gay and gay-friendly Oregon cities to discover your perfect new home, each with its distinct personality.
Give yourself enough time to acquaint yourself with Oregon’s diverse personalities, and remember that there is no one perfect answer when it comes to the most gay-friendly places in Oregon… and just because it does not make our list doesn’t necessarily make it a bad option.
We recommend speaking to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today. Now, let’s take a look at where these fabulously gay-friendly cities in Oregon are and why you might want to consider them!
Portland
Portland has progressively grown into one of the country’s most inclusive cities, coming in second to San Francisco in terms of the number of LGBTQ inhabitants in the city. Also known as the City of Roses, Portland hosts a pride parade that draws thousands of participants, but the festivities don’t stop there.
Localities around the state hold festivals to celebrate the history and advancement of the LGBT liberation struggle, drawing visitors from far and wide. Owing to its progressive mindset and variety of queer-friendly clubs and events, the city attracts LGBTQ+ visitors all year long.
There is no single designated gayborhood in Portland, so LGBTQ people can be found living, working, and having fun almost everywhere in the city. However, the West End, which is also known as the Pink Triangle, North Portland, Old Town, and the Hawthorne/Belmont area have particularly strong LGBTQ populations.
It should not be shocking that there are a number of gay bars and dance clubs in the city, as well as a diversified and active queer nightlife. Numerous LGBTQ-owned businesses or firms with a sizable LGBTQ workforce are also located in Portland, so this is a city where you will feel right at home.
Astoria
Astoria, which is situated over the Columbia River, is quickly rising to the top of Oregon’s most LGBT-friendly communities. Local LGBTQ+ people frequently host a myriad of events, such as dances, and actively publicize them to the community and other LGBT individuals from outside the city.
In addition to becoming a popular cruise ship destination, the city is also a traditional fishing hamlet that has changed into a fashionable collection of popular restaurants, museums, coffee shops, and stores. LGBT people can enjoy the local nightlife offered in the city all through the year.
Astoria is a beautiful city for LGBT people and is quite supportive of them. Most of the shops located in the city’s main street fly pride flags during Pride month, while many local businesses and residences fly pride and progress flags all through the year. Astoria is the home of lovely rolling hills, charming Victorian architecture, and sandy beaches.
The city is not just another weekend getaway spot; it is also a town rich in history and the center of a thriving LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ inhabitants of Seattle and Portland frequent this getaway because of the welcoming, warm, and artistic atmosphere. The city’s bars and eateries enjoy a wonderful, diverse clientele, and Astoria is generally fairly gay-friendly.
Astoria has, since the 90s, had an inflow of artists, chefs, and craftspeople drawn by its physical beauty as well as its reputation as a more welcoming neighborhood. Due to the large number of gay couples in the city, it is also frequently referred to as “Two gay men from Portland.”
Eugene
Eugene has previously been mentioned as one of the most LGBT-friendly communities in the country. The presence of LGBT elected politicians in the city is one of the reasons why Eugene is so popular with the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBT culture in Eugene, according to many locals, was present long before the Stonewall Riots in NYC in 1969.
Even so, the LGBT citizens of Eugene started actively celebrating and supporting their own after the historic event. The annual Eugene/Springfield Pride Festival is held in Eugene, which also has a good number of LGBT clubs as well as LGBT resources and organizations. Presently, activism, festivals, and a plethora of events throughout the year make Eugene a varied and vibrant location to live.
The University of Oregon, home to more than 20,000 students and significantly enhances the progressiveness of Eugene, is a special asset to the community. The University of Oregon has also previously been ranked among the top 20 universities in the nation for LGBT students.
Living in Eugene, Oregon, has several advantages, including access to local produce and food. The city is surrounded by small farms, and there are also many community gardens. Whether it’s chocolate or cheese, Eugene has some of the best in the country. The city is a foodie’s paradise and also produces some of the best wines in America.
Finding Gay Realtors In Oregon
When looking for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are several reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Oregon is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when it relates to one of life’s most significant transactions, it’s not unreasonable to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who understands the queer community’s particular needs and wishes.
Furthermore, unfortunately, many people (up to a third of Americans) believe that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in housing, adoption, employment, and other areas of life.
So it’s no surprise that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors often describe feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt.
Everyone deserves a pleasant, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being adequately represented, and this is why we feel you should hire a gay realtor to assist you in finding your future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be familiar with the diverse communities in their area and know which ones may be best suited to you when looking for a home.
That’s not to say a heterosexual realtor isn’t capable, but they’ve probably never had to address many of the issues LGBT people face.
Rather than just being concerned with how bustling, fashionable, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or what it may appear like), gay realtors conduct extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be challenging to locate professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Oregon, and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral.
You no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Oregon to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradespeople, and more.
Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then choose the one who is right for you. It’s critical that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exciting occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
