Gay Community Center - 3rd location
After the closure of the community center at the Pythian Building in 1974, there was a call for another one in the Just Out Newspaper, on February 5, 1999. [See Below] Before that, Per notes by David Grant Kohl author of A Curious and Peculiar People “The Lesbian Community Project which had members of approximately 600 had a goal that in October 1987 that they, in one year would establish a Community Center.” Through extensive research, there is no evidence of a community center between the demise of the Portland Gay Community Center in 1974 and the Q Center in 2006.
However, LGBTQ+ History in Portland | The Official Guide to Portland (travelportland.com) states: “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.”
citations & references:
Per https://www.travelportland.com/culture/lgbtq-history/ website: In 2006, — 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. Known as Q Center it is located at 4115 N Mississippi Ave Suite D, Portland, OR 97217” That however is disputed by http://www.pdxqcenter.org/about/faq/
Q Center opens its first “bricks and mortar” facility in the inner Southeast warehouse district and quickly outgrows the 1,000 square feet of space. In 2009, Q Center moves to its present home on North Mississippi Avenue while expanding its programmatic reach. Q Center’s mission is to provide a safe space to support and celebrate LGBTQ diversity, visibility, and community building. (http://www.pdxqcenter.org/about/faq/, Nicola)
And per Wikipedia: “The community center was established in 2005,[1] championed by then-city Commissioner Sam Adams. Kendall Clawson, an African American lesbian, served as its first executive director.[2] The center relocated to North Mississippi Avenue in 2009.[2]”
Portland's Q Center experiences a revival with a new pitch: Inclusivity - oregonlive.com [2019]
LETTER FROM Q CENTER
Bright Future Ahead
Empowering Tomorrow: A Bright Future for Q Center’s 20th Anniversary
Portland, OR -
September 5, 2023 —
Dear Q Center Community,
I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. My name is Sebastian Sanchez, Chair of the Board of Directors for Portland’s Q Center. As we, Q Center Board of Directors, navigate through a time of significant change and transition, we wanted to take a moment to provide you with an update on the recent developments and activities of the Q Center Board of Directors.
First and foremost, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Q Center, and it is a testament to the strength and resilience of our community that we have reached this milestone. The Q Center would not be here today without the dedication of our donors, supporters, and community champions. Your commitment to our mission and vision has been the cornerstone of Q Center’s success, and for that, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
In light of recent changes and challenges, the Q Center Board of Directors is diligently working to ensure the continued vitality and effectiveness of our organization. We recognize the importance of staying true to our mission and vision while adapting to the evolving needs of our community. To that end, we are excited to announce that we are initiating a search for a new Executive Director who will play a pivotal role in leading the Q Center into its next chapter.
Our goal is to find a leader who not only possesses the necessary skills and experience but also shares our passion for inclusivity, diversity, and the well-being of all individuals within our community. We are committed to a thorough and thoughtful selection process, and we will keep you informed as we progress in this endeavor.
Additionally, we are actively realigning our strategies and programs to ensure that the Q Center remains a safe, welcoming, and empowering space for all.
Q Center: 4115 North Mississippi Avenue, Portland, OR 97217
Finally, we want to reassure you that the health and stability of the Q Center are of utmost importance to us. We are dedicated to ensuring that the organization continues to thrive and serve our community for many more years to come.
As we embark on this journey of change and renewal, we look forward to your continued support and involvement. Your participation, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply being an active member of our community, is what sustains us. If you would like to contribute by making a donation: https://app.theauxilia.com/payments/client/q_center?
We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and are committed to keeping you updated every step of the way.
Thank you again for your ongoing support, and here's to the next 20 years of the Q Center. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals.
With deepest gratitude and warm regards,
Sebastian Sanchez
Chair of the Board of Directors Q Center Board of Directors
About Q Center - Our mission: To provide safe spaces, community building and empowerment for the positive transformation of LGBTQ2SIA+ communities and allies in the Pacific Northwest. Please go to www.pdxQ Center.org for more information on the Q Center.
