Shoutout

19/12/2025

AND IN WASHINGTON STATE

“Gender-affirming care is legal and protected in Washington state.

✅ Health insurers cannot deny or limit gender-affirming care coverage for people of any age when it’s prescribed as medically necessary.
✅ Washington’s Medicaid program, Apple Health, covers gender-affirming care when it is medically necessary, safe, effective, and not experimental.
✅ Washington’s Shield Law protects people in Washington from investigations or court proceedings in another state that concern lawful gender-affirming care provided here.”

Learn more here: https://www.atg.wa.gov/reproductive-and-gender-affirming-care-shielding-providers-seekers-and-helpers-out-state-legal

19/12/2025

From Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield…

“Today, the Trump administration announced plans to ban gender-affirming care for young people, and to target hospitals providing this care by withholding federal Medicare and Medicaid funds. This is blatantly illegal.

Health care decisions belong to patients and their families, working with providers they trust - not the federal government.”

19/12/2025

“LIGHT UP THE NIGHT”

Last weekend saw three sold-out performances where audiences delighted in the Portland Gay Men's Chorus holiday presentation, “Light Up The Night.

The songs, sounds, colors, and the dance movements—all a tribute to the continued growth and success of PGMC.

19/12/2025

Another look at this latest attack against gender-affirming care which will impact many Oregonians.

“Hospitals and doctors that perform gender-affirming care surgery on minors will have to forgo federal Medicare and Medicaid funding under new rules proposed by the Trump administration Thursday, even in states where the procedures are legal.

The multi-pronged plan from the Department of Health and Human Services is part of the administration’s efforts to curtail gender-affirming care, and if made final, could essentially ban the practice nationwide.”

Hospitals and doctors that perform gender-affirming care surgery on minors will have to forgo federal Medicare and Medicaid funding under new rules proposed by the Trump administration Thursday, ev…

19/12/2025

SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS
Bobby Jo Valentine

“My first concert of the year - in my hometown! Portland friends, this is a live CD recording. Your presence means so much. Please friends and wear your most comfy clothes (pajamas welcome and encouraged!). The talented Ben Grace joins me on keys.

Sunday, Jan 11, 4pm at the beautiful Artichoke Music (with new comfy chairs.) Only 50ish seats. Help sell this out quickly by getting your tix today.”

Ticket Link in comments.

19/12/2025

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Salem Celebrates

What to expect…

Get ready to ring in the new year with a roaring 20’s vibe at our Great Gatsby-themed celebration hosted by Miss RiRi Caliente & Friends - it's going to be the bee's knees!

Dj/ Dancing, Champagne Toast, Complimentary Ride Home (for those who may have celebrated too much), Pop Up Drag Performances, Hot Gogos, and much more

Presale Tickets available at Eventbrite for $15 through December 30th. Link in comments.

$20 at the door!

18/12/2025

SHOP LOCAL
Shop Q***r

Every time you support Portland’s Iridescent Daydream you support nearly 100 local Q***r artists from all walks of life!

Divesting from big corporations takes some conscious effort, so if you’ve ever been curious to stop into our storefront, or to join in on one of our events, this winter is the perfect time! Not only are we celebrating our second anniversary this week, but we’re giving back more than ever this year with our free, community based events and projects.

Your patronage here makes real change among our Q***r community, and we’ve seen this direct monetary support go a long way for our members in need. So find yourself or a loved one a beautiful handmade piece, and know that your purchase will directly benefit that artist to support their future creations and livelihood!

This weekend is your last chance to grab those handmade holiday gifts - come see us today-Sunday 12-6pm.

5285 NE Sandy Blvd.

Link to website in comments

18/12/2025

LGBTQ+ SENIORS
Art Show

The Opal Art Show and Open Mic Night is happening this Friday, December 19, from 3:30 –5:30pm. Celebrate the creativity within our community! Join us for a night of talent and creativity from many EPS participants and Opal Residents.

Friday, December 19 • 3:30-5:30pm • Free

The Opal Apartments
12691 NW Dogwood St, Portland, OR 97229

“55+ LGBTQ friendly community with resident services on site provided by Friendly House. The Opal is conveniently located near shopping, dining and bike trails. This property is income restricted with income limits set at 60% AMI for Washington County.

The Opal Apartments is located in Portland, Oregon in the 97229 zip code. This apartment community was built in 2024 and has 4 stories with 54 units.”

18/12/2025

BREAKING NEWS: The House of Representatives has just passed H.R. 3492, an anti-trans bill that would charge healthcare providers with a felony for providing medically necessary care to transgender young people, and open the door to criminal charges against loving parents for supporting their children and following the guidance of their child’s medical team. The bill is now eligible to be taken up by the U.S. Senate.

“The passage of HR 3492 marks a deeply terrifying moment for families, healthcare providers, and for the health and safety of transgender young people. This legislation criminalizes medically necessary, evidence-based care by making healthcare providers felons for doing their jobs and exposes loving parents to potential prosecution simply for supporting their children and following the guidance of trusted medical professionals. It forces politicians into the most personal family decisions and replaces care with fear.

“PFLAG chapters, members, and supporters sent thousands of messages to their legislators to prevent passage of this bill. While this is not the outcome they hoped for, PFLAG will continue leading on this critical work, and will always have the backs of our trans loved ones.” —Brian K. Bond, CEO of PFLAG National (he/him)

This bill threatens the dignity, safety, and respect transgender youth deserve. Read the full press release at pflag.org/press/house-advances-hr3492/ to learn more.

18/12/2025

Shoutout to the fab young singers of Bridging Voices, the LGBTQ+ youth chorus based here in Portland for being featured in the 2025 Give!Guide and performing on January 10th at Multnomah Arts Center!

Check them out and support as you are able.

Ticket link and additional information in comments.

18/12/2025

WESTSIDE SENIORS!
55 & Better

Please join Westside QRC for a 55 and better peer-led affinity group, focused on mutual support. We will share our experiences, provide encouragement, and learn from and listen to each other while building our q***r community.

We will meet the 3rd Thursdays from 2 - 3:30 PM at the Elsie Stuhr, as part of the Center’s Health and Wellness Thursdays.

Location:
Elsie Stuhr Center - Cedar Room
5550 SW Hall Blvd
Beaverton, OR 97005

17/12/2025

ACROSS THE REGION
Sunday Storytime

Save the Date! Next Sunday, December 21st, join LCQC - Lower Columbia Q Center for Family Storytime!

This month’s theme is “Changing the World.”