Committee Information

The LGBTQIA+ Rights Committee was created in 2017 to address issues of LGBTQ rights in our community. It is a subcommittee of the  Salem Human Rights Commission (HRC). Through the guidance of Chapters 3 and 8 of the Salem Revised Code this committee promotes LGBTQIA+ inclusion in a healthy, safe, and respectful civic community.

This committee is inspired by work HRC commission members previously participated in helping to develop a transgender interaction training document in 2016 for the Salem Police Department. Further in service training for Salem municipal agencies is part of ongoing tasks.

Additionally, the task force informs HRC commissioners and Core Response Team members on matters regarding LGBTQIA+ rights in our city. The HRC informs and advises the Mayor and City Council.

The LGBTQIA+ Rights Committee meets once a month. Dates, location, and meeting agendas are posted at the City Calendar. These are public meetings and all are welcome to attend.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination is Prohibited in the City of Salem

Salem Revised Code 97.005: It is the policy of the City of Salem to eliminate discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability; sexual orientation, gender identity, housing status and source of income. The City Council finds that such discrimination poses a threat to the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Salem and menaces the institutions and foundation of our community.

In 2002, five years before similar laws were written for the State of Oregon, Salem's City Council approved revisions to prohibit discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations (such as businesses, movie theaters and restaurants) based on sexual orientation or gender identity. At that time, only 40 other cities in the United States had similar laws. Today, through the work of volunteer commissioners and committee members, these laws continue to protect LGBTQIA+ people in Salem.

What to Do if You Think a Hate Crime Has Been Committed

If you believe a crime occurred, you are encouraged to immediately call the Salem Police Department. If the crime is in progress and there is a direct threat to life or property, immediately call 911. If the crime occurred in the past, call the non-emergency line at 503-588-6123.

Resources

Learn about Gender Pronouns
Trevor Project Resources
Why Do We Have Gay Pride Month In The United States? video
How Can I Be An Ally Online?
Salem, Oregon Code of Ordinances Chapter 97

If you need support, please reach out to:

Trevor Project

Gender-Affirming Care

Gender Affirming Care refers to a range of medical, psychological and supportive services provided to transgender and gender-diverse individuals to help them align their physical characteristics and gender expression with their gender identity. This care can include hormone therapy, surgical procedures, mental health support, and social services, with the aim of improving the overall well-being and quality of life of the individual by addressing gender dysphoria and promoting a positive gender identity. Gender affirming care is tailored to the specific needs and goals of each person and is typically provided by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.

There are two sections for the spreadsheet, the first are health systems that offer gender affirming case as outlined above and the services that they offer. The second are individual providers who specialize in gender affirming care and have more developed expertise.

LGBTQ Groups in Salem

There are several groups in Salem devoted to supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and protecting their rights.

Rainbow Youth:

Rainbow Youth creates safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth and their friends to find connection, support, and friendship. 

Offers:

Youth Leadership Program

Youth Group Meeting: Meetings are for all middle- and high-school-aged youth, 18 and younger. Join us for check-in, snacks, discussions, workshops, games, arts and crafts, help with homework and chill time!

info@rainbowyouth.org

https://www.facebook.com/salemrainbowyouth

https://www.instagram.com/rainbowyouthoregon

PFLAG Salem

Founded in 1973, PFLAG is the largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families.

PFLAGSalemOregon@gmail.com

http://www.facebook.com/pflagsalem

Salem Capital Pride

Salem Capital Pride seeks to educate, celebrate, and connect the LGBTQ+ community and allies throughout the Central Willamette Valley through events, dissemination of information, and community partnerships.

https://www.facebook.com/salemcapitalpride

https://www.instagram.com/salemcapitalpride/

https://discord.gg/rrwKNzqVN5

Chemeketa Community Safe Haven

Safe Haven is the LGBTQ2SIA+ club at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon. Safe Haven meetings provide conversation, laughter, learning, and community development.

safehaven@chemeketa.edu

Imperial Sovereign Court of the Willamette Empire

The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Willamette Empire is a non-profit organization that fundraises for various charities through drag shows, community picnics, auctions, raffles, car washes, and other socially based fundraisers.

iscwecourt@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/57815330776/

Salem Social Justice Collective

Salem Social Justice Collective is an organizing group in Salem, OR working to effect

social, cultural, and political change through social justice.

Affirming Churches

Salem Oregon LGBTQ Facebook Group

Willamette University Gender Resource & Advocacy Center

The Gender Resource and Advocacy Center (GRAC) provides resources and support to persons of any gender and sexual identity in the Willamette University community.

grac-info@willamette.edu

Salem Lavender Womyn

Lavender Womyn is a lesbian/bisexual social group of womyn with many chapters.

The purpose of Lavender Womyn is to give lesbians and bisexual womyn a safe place to socialize, develop friendships, and support each other.

The Marionberry Salon

The Marionberry Salon is Salem's LGBT book group. They read books that touch on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender experience. All are welcome. Every month, they gather for a potluck dinner and discussion of the book of the month.

Get Involved

Meeting are open to the public and volunteers are welcome. Contact us today or check for openings on the Salem Human Rights Commission and apply by visiting the Boards and Commissions page.