Portland’s Queer & Trans Scene: How to Find Community, Support & Your People

Queer Portland Exists—But Where Do You Find It?

Portland has a reputation: weird, progressive, covered in murals, and full of queers. And honestly? That’s mostly true. But if you’re new here—or even if you’ve been around—finding the right queer & trans spaces isn’t always as easy as it should be.

There’s no one-stop shop for where to meet people, where to find a trans support group, or how to plug into the queer underground. Portland’s LGBTQ+ scene is a mix of legendary nightlife, mutual aid networks, niche identity-based spaces, and hidden gems that rely entirely on word-of-mouth.

So where do you start?

That’s where TransPDX.org & QueerPDX.org come in—two easy-to-remember, community-built resource hubs designed to help Portland’s LGBTQ+ people connect, thrive, and survive.

📍 Looking for a trans support group? TransPDX.org has a full list of meetups.
📍 Need to know which Portland spots are truly queer-friendly? QueerPDX.org has vetted spaces, bars, coffee shops & third spaces.
📍 New in town and just want to find your people? This is where you start.

Why Finding Queer & Trans Spaces Matters

If you’re queer, you already know community isn’t just about fun—it’s about survival.

🏳️‍⚧️ Trans people face massive barriers to housing, jobs, and healthcare.
🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ folks in Portland still experience discrimination, isolation & gatekeeping.
📢 Mutual aid and community care save lives.

The Reality of Being LGBTQ+ in Portland

• 1 in 3 trans adults has faced homelessness. (Source: UCLA Williams Institute)
• Over 50% of trans renters report facing housing discrimination.
• Queer people who feel connected to community experience significantly lower rates of depression & suicide. (Source: American Psychological Association)

The numbers don’t lie—finding a queer & trans network isn’t optional. It’s necessary.

What Are TransPDX.org & QueerPDX.org?

These sites exist for one reason: to make it easier for Portland’s LGBTQ+ community to find resources, events, and each other.

TransPDX.org – A Hub for Trans, Nonbinary & Gender-Expansive Folks

Who it’s for: Trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people looking for affirming spaces & resources.
✅ Trans support groups & meetups
✅ Housing resources for trans people
✅ Hormone providers & gender-affirming healthcare
✅ Legal help (name changes, ID updates, tenant rights, etc.)
✅ Mental health & crisis support services
✅ Job listings & workspaces that won’t misgender you

📌 Example: Need a name change guide? → Basic Rights Oregon has the best guide for that! No need to reinvent the resource. 

QueerPDX.org – The LGBTQ+ Social & Community Hub

Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to know where to go, what’s happening, and how to connect.
✅ LGBTQ+ bars, cafes, and queer-owned spaces
✅ Queer arts, nightlife, and DIY shows
✅ Activist groups & advocacy organizations
✅ Sober queer events & alternative meetups
✅ Queer sports leagues, social clubs & identity-based groups

📌 Example: Want to find Portland’s queer nightlife? → QueerPDX.org has a full rundown of spots where you’re actually safe.

Why We’re Building This (And Why It’s Needed)

Finding your community in Portland shouldn’t require 20 Google searches, six Discord servers, and an invite to a secret Facebook group.

❌ A lot of Portland’s queer spaces exist in silos.
❌ Many events are gatekept, hard to find, or never posted publicly.
❌ If you’re new to the city, it’s easy to feel like queer Portland is happening without you.

That’s why we built TransPDX.org & QueerPDX.org—to create an actual, accessible, open-resource hub that makes Portland’s LGBTQ+ spaces easier to navigate.

How to Use These Resources

💡 Looking for a trans support group? → TransPDX.org lists trans-centered meetups, peer groups & advocacy spaces.
💡 Need LGBTQ+ housing or financial assistance? → Find affirming housing & mutual aid funds.
💡 Want to know what’s happening this weekend? → QueerPDX.org keeps a running list of LGBTQ+ events & meetups.
💡 Want to add your group or event? → This is a community resource—submit your listings!

Both sites are living maps—growing as Portland’s queer scene evolves.

How to Get Involved

🌈 Have an event, support group, or resource to share? Add it to the site!
📩 Want to help improve & grow these hubs? Join the WeRQ Together team.
🤝 Need help finding something specific? We got you.

📍 Explore Portland’s Queer & Trans Community Now:
🔗 Visit TransPDX.org (For trans-specific resources & support)
🔗 Visit QueerPDX.org (For LGBTQ+ spaces, events & community)

Portland’s queer scene is yours—we’re just making it easier to find.

Final Thoughts: A More Connected, More Visible Queer Portland

Portland is one of the queerest cities in the country, but visibility isn’t the same as access.

By creating resource hubs like TransPDX.org & QueerPDX.org, we’re removing barriers, increasing accessibility, and making sure that every queer person in Portland—whether longtime local or newcomer—has the support they need.

🌟 Share these resources. Add your listings. Spread the word.
🏳️‍🌈 Portland’s queer community is here. Let’s make sure everyone can find it.

🔗 Visit TransPDX.org & QueerPDX.org today.