We're Here, We're Queer, Let's Cheer!
June is Pride Month! This is a time for us to celebrate all people and aspects of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. The initials describing the community continue to grow as we learn more about how people identify. They stand for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic, and Two Spirit, and the “+” represents community members that identify in other ways. Creating a more inclusive and accepting community means it is safer for people to explore their identity and live openly.
Another important way to create a more inclusive and accepting community is to support positive representation in books, TV, music, and other media. Drag shows and ballroom competitions are some of the most vibrant, visible parts of LGBTQIA2S+ culture. For decades, they have been safe spaces for people – especially Black, Latinx, and transgender people – to express themselves with fashion, makeup, dance, song, and more. Movies and TV like Paris Is Burning, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Pose, and Legendary have brought drag and ballroom culture into the spotlight and helped educate others. If you need a reason to check out a new show and learn about ballroom culture, Portland’s own House of Ada is competing in the current season of Legendary!
In Portland, drag brunch shows all over town are sold-out almost every weekend and enjoyed by people from all different backgrounds. But that level of popularity, safety, and openness has not always existed. Dressing in drag used to be something that could get you arrested, cost you your job or family, or worse. While Pride has become a celebration, the common phrase “the first Pride was a riot” is a reference to the Stonewall Riots, when the LGBTQIA2S+ community fought back against brutal, unjust treatment from police. We’ve come a long way since Stonewall, but the fight for LGBTQIA2S+ rights is not over.
Check out local organizations and businesses to find pride celebrations near you and learn more about how to support the LGBTQIA2S+ community! The Pride Northwest Portland Pride Waterfront Festival will be on Saturday, June 18, at noon, and Sunday, June 19, at 10:30 a.m., at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. You can see the House of Ada's Anniversary Ball performance at Portland’s Vitalidad Movement Art Center on Friday, June 17, at 9 p.m.
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Forest Park, with 80+ miles of trails in 5,200 acres, is home to hundreds of native wildlife and plant species and acts as an important air and water filter.
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Celebrating National Trails Day
Saturday, June 4 is National Trails Day! To celebrate and encourage everyone to get out and enjoy some amazing hiking trails, the American Hiking Society is hosting National Trails Day events all over the country. Events include guided hikes, trail cleanups, and music festivals. Everyone — whether you’re putting on your first pair of hiking boots or loading your trusty camping pack — is invited to join or host an event. Check out trails in Portland!
Portland, the state of Oregon, and the larger Pacific Northwest region are well known for our beautiful natural spaces. Around here, a common answer to the question “beach or mountains?” is “both, I live in Oregon!” The effects of climate change have shown us just how important our natural spaces are for our health. Check out Portland Parks & Recreation's Natural Area Stewardship program or the Leave No Trace principles to learn more about how you can help preserve the outdoor spaces you visit.
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Party On, Portland!
This summer, Civic Life is helping neighbors host parties in their neighborhoods! Registration is open from June 6 to July 1 and is free. If you want to throw a party, visit portland.gov/civic/CommunitySafety/pop to register! If you have questions, call 3-1-1 or email 311@PortlandOregon.gov. Let’s party on, Portland!
Why register?
- Get a permit for a party in the park for FREE!
- You’ll be automatically registered for a FREE noise waiver for your lively activities!
- Make it easy to get a permit and signs to close off your street.
- You can request professionals from safety-related City programs to attend parties to get to know your neighborhood and answer questions (no guarantees, based on availability).
You can find more information at portland.gov/civic/CommunitySafety/pop!
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Lively public festivals, an energetic music scene, and spirited sporting events all help to make Portland a vibrant city. With more people working, learning, and playing from home, the amount of noise they make and hear at home has gone up. Civic Life has a quick guide to what kinds of sound the Noise Program can help you with, and a list of resources to address other noise concerns.
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Join an Advisory Body!
Joining an advisory body is a way for Portlanders to lend their expertise and personal or professional experience to the City of Portland. As an advisory body member, you will work closely with community members and City of Portland liaisons to impact policies and programs.
Portland Clean Energy Community Benefit Fund (PCEF) Committee - Closes Wednesday, June 1
The PCEF invests in carbon reduction projects prioritizing racial and social justice. Nonprofit organizations can apply for community-led projects related to clean energy, regenerative agriculture, green infrastructure, and workforce development. PCEF prioritizes benefits to communities on the frontlines of climate change, like low-income people and people of color. Learn more about member responsibilities and apply here!
Urban Forestry Commission - Closes Monday, August 1
The Urban Forestry Commission advises the City Forester, Parks Director, Commissioner in Charge of Parks, and City Council on matters related to trees in the city, including regulation, budget, policy, and plans. It also acts as an appeals board for certain tree permits, nominates new and approves removal of Heritage Trees, and plays a significant role in updates to the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan. Learn more about member responsibilities and apply here!
Noise Review Board (NRB) Acoustic Representative - Closes Saturday, August 20
The NRB works to improve neighborhood livability by striking a balance between sound generating activities and the desire for quiet communities. The acoustic representative is essential for the board’s decision making, establishing reasonable mitigation measures, and providing technical recommendations for sound policy and code decisions. Learn more about member responsibilities and apply here!
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