We’ve identified communities where you will be safe and welcome and where your vote will be a game-changer at the ballot box.

Oregon: A State AND a State of Mind

a lively river passing under a bridge in the distance at dusk

Bend

Living in Bend, Oregon, often feels like a permanent vacation for outdoor enthusiasts, nestled in the high desert with the majestic Cascade Mountains as a backdrop. The climate is generally dry and sunny, boasting over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it ideal for year-round recreation, from skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor in winter to hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding, and fly fishing in the warmer months. The city has a vibrant and growing economy, heavily influenced by tourism and outdoor industries, but also a growing tech and healthcare sector. Bend's community is active, health-conscious, and largely friendly, with a strong emphasis on local businesses, craft breweries, and an evolving culinary scene. However, this popularity comes with a significant trade-off: the cost of living, particularly housing, is considerably higher than the national average. For LGBTQ+ individuals, Bend has a small but growing and increasingly visible community, with dedicated queer-owned businesses, inclusive events like Winter PrideFest, and local groups working to foster a more welcoming and diverse environment,

Cool Fact: Bend is home to "OUT Central Oregon," which hosted the first-ever Winter PrideFest in 2018 — one of the only LGBTQ+ ski festivals in the Pacific Northwest. It combines queer pride with snow sports, drag tubing, and mountain dance parties at Mt. Bachelor. It’s a colorful and celebratory blend of outdoor adventure and queer joy — very Bend.

Some Bend Stats:

Suburban ● $$$$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Above Average ● Nearby Airport ● Outdoor Adventure

a distance shot of a city at night with mountains and a sinking sun in the backgroun

Brentwood-Darlington (Portland)

Living in the Brentwood-Darlington area of Southeast Portland, Oregon, provides a distinctly more suburban and family-oriented atmosphere within the city. This largely residential neighborhood features quiet streets, a mix of older and newer homes, and ample green space, including Brentwood Park. You'll find a growing number of diverse food options, particularly excellent Asian restaurants and markets, reflecting its varied population. The area offers a strong sense of community, where neighbors often connect. While more affordable than some central Portland neighborhoods, it's less walkable for extensive retail and dining, though these are just a short drive or bike ride away in nearby areas like Woodstock. For LGBTQ+ individuals, while Brentwood-Darlington itself is quieter, it benefits significantly from Portland's broadly progressive and welcoming culture, with easy access to the city's numerous LGBTQ+ resources and supportive community networks.

Cool Fact: In 2021, Portland unveiled "Never Look Away", a vibrant, three-story-tall mural located in the Pearl District. This 120-foot-wide artwork is Oregon's first public art project dedicated to LGBTQ+ community achievements. It features eight LGBTQ+ activists, including national figures like Marsha P. Johnson and Angelica Ross, as well as local heroes such as Rupert Kinnard, David Martinez, and Kathleen Saadat. The mural symbolizes the city's commitment to honoring queer history and progress.

Some Brentwood-Darlington Stats:

Suburban/Urban ● $$$$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: N/A ● Community Health: Above Average ● Nearby Airport ● Walkable