23/02/2019
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Dear Beloved Community,
The leadership of Q Center is deeply troubled about several reports of in the past week of violent attacks against + community members, particularly and individuals. Several individuals have reported being attacked and beaten by a small group of assailants. Given the rise in hate crimes in the last 2 years--a 17% increase nationally in 2018-- and increased activity by locally, we know these attacks are an extension of previous attacks on by groups who continually target marginalized communities. We are saddened and angered to know that members of our community have been harmed and are living in fear for their personal safety.
Our community needs and deserves better!
Q Center will be hosting a Town Hall on Sunday, February 24 at 6 p.m . in partnership with Basic Rights Oregon, PRIDE Northwest, Vancouver USA Pride, Greater Portland Trans Unity, Q***r Resource Center, PCC:Cascade, and other community based organizations. The town hall will provide an opportunity for our community to gather, hear from victims and leaders, and to voice your concerns. There will be no law enforcement present at this event.
Because we understand that some community members may not be able to attend the Town Hall in person, we will be livestreaming a portion of the event on our official page: . In consideration for our community’s safety and wellbeing, we’ve partnered with Uber to provide free rides to any community members wishing to attend our Town Hall, particularly those most at risk--youth, seniors, people of color, people with disabilities, trans and gender nonconforming folks. To sign up for a free Uber ride, please fill out this application form .
Link to Facebook Event Page for the Town Hall: https://bit.ly/2VaqGPL
Through our work with the Portland United Against Hate coalition, Q Center is a location where community members can report bias incidents and hate crimes without interfacing with law enforcement. Community can report anonymously online at reporthatepdx.com or in person by contacting Page Smith, contact information below. Additionally, Q Center will be offering a number of action oriented workshops to support community members and allies in combating hateful language and actions. Free workshops open to the general public through June include, “Interrupting Hate” and “What Is A Hate Crime?” Please visit our page () for more details or contact Page Smith, Program Coordinator: [email protected] g, 503-234-7873 x102.
We welcome all community members to use YOUR community center during normal hours of operation, Monday-Friday, 11:00 am-9:00 pm and Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm. Our online information and referral database at is available 24/7 at http://www.pdxqcenter.org/resources/ . We have 450+ records for a variety of providers including mental health support, legal aid, medical care and more. Can’t find what you are looking for? Contact Page Smith for further information.
In Solidarity,
Q Center
Portland's LGBTQ2SIA+ Community Center
www.pdxqcenter.org
ABOUT Q Center
As a community center, Q Center works for a better world by providing safe and affirming spaces of support, celebration, and opportunity for LGBTQ2SIA+ people of all ages, races, genders and abilities.
