Big Trans Welcome! You made it to Portland, OREGON QT 🏳️‍⚧️✈️

Trans Relocation
Written By Elijah Gray

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: Everybody gay. Officially tho, like 4.2mil queers in the state.

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.

Trans-Specific Support:

  • Trans PDX Support Group: We host weekly in-person and virtual support groups + monthly socials to foster connection and joy. Doesn't matter if you're seeking support, looking to get involved, or just want to hang out, we’ve got a space for you.

  • 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. 

  • Radical Abundance: Pay what you can queer & trans led thrift shop that also has a micro-grant fund for electroylysis!

Finding Your Nest:

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.

  • Mac’s List: Regional career hub focused on Oregon and Washington.

  • Sur(thrive)al Jobs (Weekly Newsletter) Part-Time Jobs in Portland: at least 10 jobs per week. Part-time, flexible work. Only jobs paying $20/hr or more. In Portland, OR or nearby. Not QT centric but a solid place to start looking for gigs.

Taking Care of Your Mind and Body:

  • Oregon Health Plan: Oregon's Medicaid program covers a wide range of gender-affirming care. This is going to be top priority. Getting a therapist will be important and taking the time to do OHP can help make that possible.

  • Marie Equi Center: Community care at its finest. Day center for LGBTQ+ folks with showers, laundry services, resource navigation, wound care and more. Need to get on OHP? Stuck and trying to figure out how to navigate Portland’s web of social services. They can help!

  • Affirm 2STNB at Portland Mental Health: innovative wrap-around care to transform how 2STNB individuals are welcomed into and supported by their communities

  • Center for Natural Medicine: Takes OHP. Wide variety of services, including mental health, HRT, chiropractor and massage. Visibly queer and affirming staff. Clothing closet in the lobby.

  • Q Center: Portland's Q Center offers support groups, educational events, gender and name-change clinics, and a gender affirming career closet.

  • Transfighters puts on free self defense/fight/combat training classes for trans, queer, and non-binary folks. There's chapters in Oakland, Portland, DC and Toronto. You can find a full schedule of events HERE. Every friday night in Portland at Unicorn right now!

  • St. John's Boxing WTF Boxing Club for Women, Trans, and Femmes. Sundays 11AM. Woman owned. First class free.

  • Autonomy Recovery Self Defense Trans & BIPOC led. Trauma informed. Centers accessibility. Monthly FREE workshops at Alder Commons 4212 NE Prescott. Masks required. Feb workshop is for physically disabled folks.

  • Muscle Mommies For Queer, Trans, Gay, Lesbian honeys looking to join community, get jacked, and learn about safe weight lifting! So not totally self defense, but getting jacked feels adjacent.

  • Check out more Mental Health resources & all the wild sports teams and leagues in Portland.

Recovery Resources:

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.


At the Trans Relocation Fund & Aid Network, we are committed to making relocation safe, joyful, and sustainable. We appreciate your patience and preparation as you plan your move. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

🌐 TransRelocationFund.com | 📸 @TransRelocationFund | 📩 support@TransRelocationFund.com

Elijah Gray https://ig.com/beyondthecistem
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