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Portland

News from within the borders of Portland, Oregon and the fight for LGBT equality there. Domestic partnership is legal in Oregon, although the constitution was changed in 2004 to define marriage as between one man and one woman after a string of same-sex marriages occurred. Learn more about past and present obstacles toward achieving equality in Portland including hate crimes law, transgender rights, adoption, and other rights denied to same-sex couples and LGBT people. Learn about individuals--activists, politicians, and allies--who have helped us make strides toward equality. We also cover the campaigns of groups opposed to marriage equality and explore how gay marriage is covered in mainstream media. We stay on top of developments so that you can stay informed about this issue.

Aja Raquell Rhone-Spears
Crime

Trans Woman Stabbed to Death at Vigil in Portland

Aja Raquell Rhone-Spears was killed while mourning another homicide victim.

Dominick Gonzales
Crime

Portland Man Apologizes for Assaulting Transgender Woman

But he's served jail time for the crime just the same, and he'll be on probation for three years.

Atlas Marshall
Crime

Another Transgender Woman Attacked in Portland

The September 12 attack on Atlas Marshall came just six days after a trans rideshare driver was beaten by a passenger.

Lyft driver Marla Standing-Owl
Crime

Transgender Lyft Driver Attacked by Passenger in Portland

Marla Standing-Owl says the passenger hit her and told her, "You're nothing but a man."

Portland Trans Pride 2019
Pride
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59 Feisty Photos of Trans Pride in Portland

"June 1969 was a dangerous time to be a trans or queer person of color, or anyone else living on the margins of capitalist white supremacy culture. So is June 2019."

Scott Wayne Smith
Crime

Portland Man Sentenced for Threatening to Kill Gay Men

Scott Wayne Smith was convicted of intimidation for his threat to residents of a complex for HIV-positive people.

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Crime

Trans Woman Attacked in Latest Anti-LGBT Assault in Portland, Ore.

A trans woman was harassed and punched several times in downtown Portland this week.

Portland Pride
Pride
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105 Photos of Portland's Pride Parade -- Inclusive and Controversial

Pride has a history of protest, and Portlanders were met with a seven-minute interruption.

Sophia Grace Adler
Crime

Trans Woman Killed in Portland; Suspect Arrested and Charged

Sophia Grace Adler (pictured) is charged with the murder of Gigi Pierce.

Beardlandia
Photography
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82 Plaid Orgy Photos at Beardlandia 2017

Beards, bears, plaid, flannel, and adorable bear-themed shirts. You'll love these cuddly, squeezable (with consent) bears frolicking at the yearly Portland event.

Lumbertwink
Photography
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64 Photos Get You Ready for Beardlandia

Lumbertwink’s playful photos of romping bears get us in the mood for Portland’s big beard-a-palooza.

102 Photos of Trans Pride Blossoming in Portland
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102 Photos of Trans Pride Blossoming in Portland

What is it in the air in Portland? Maybe the smell of freedom and acceptance.

111 Photos of the Seriously Delirious Portland Pride
Pride
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111 Photos of the Seriously Delirious Portland Pride

Bears, kittens, dogs, unicorns, faeries, and other magical creatures assembled in Portland for a wonderfully kooky Pride parade and celebration.

AP PHOTO
Election

Anti-Trump Protesters Take to the Streets

Felomina Cervantes held a sign that read "Shame on You America" as she took part in one of several protests staged nationwide against President-elect Donald Trump.

Leila Haile and Khalil Edwards
Race

Yes, There Are Black Queers in Oregon and They Need Help

The former Portland black chapter of PFLAG, the only one of its kind in the nation, declares independence and sets a course toward racial justice.  

PHOTOS: Portland Pride Sends Out the Love
Pride
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PHOTOS: Portland Pride Sends Out the Love

Following on the heels of Portland Trans Pride the day before, Portland's main event was like a big hug for the whole community.

P CLUB
Transgender

$400K Bar Tab for Transphobic Club Owner

A court in Portland, Ore., ruled that a man who told transgender customers to stay away from the bar he owned must pay them $400,000 in damages.

Why Are Dildos Suddenly Everywhere in Portland?
Media

Hanging Dildos Are Suddenly Everywhere in Portland

For generations, kids would toss shoelace-tied old sneakers up and over power lines crisscrossing their streets. Now this.

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Pride

PHOTOS: Portland Unfurls Its Pride

D. David Robinson's photos show that Pride is bright in Portland, rain or shine.