"Q Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission to increase the visibility of and foster connection within metropolitan Portland’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Questioning (LGBTQ) community. The center builds public awareness and support, and celebrates LGBTQ diversity through art, culture, and programming. In 2003, an effort was launched to explore the feasibility of a LGBTQ community center. More than 1600 individuals and 30 organizations weighed in on the question. The end results were clear: Portland needs, wants and can support a LGBTQ Community Center!
The purpose for creating and operating Q Center is to:
- Create a safe and welcoming community gathering place for LGBTQ programs, events, meetings and resources;
- Stop isolation among LGBTQ families, older people, youth and other vulnerable groups within the LGBTQ community;
- Increase public awareness of and understanding within the LGBTQ community by creating a permanent visible presence;
- Accelerate access to essential services and programs for LGBTQ community through onsite delivery and referrals to our Q friendly partners; and
- Strengthen existing LBGTQ organizations through promotion of project collaboration, shared meeting space, and expanded community access."
Source: http://www.pdxqcenter.org/?page_id=69
