As summer begins and schools across Oregon close for break, some of the support students count on during the year also pauses. Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is reminding LGBTQIA2S+ youth and their families that help, community, and safe spaces are still available all summer.
Why support matters
“Every young person deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued for who they are,” said Dr. Dean Sidelinger, the state health officer and epidemiologist at OHA. “For many LGBTQIA2S+ youth, school provides important connections to trusted adults, peers and affirming services.”
With Pride Month here, OHA is sharing statewide and local resources to help lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, two-spirit, questioning, and other LGBTQIA2S+ young people feel supported all year.
“We want young people and their families to know that support doesn’t end when the school year does,” Sidelinger said. “Resources and caring communities remain available across Oregon.”
Families, trusted adults, and communities play an important role in the health and well-being of LGBTQIA2S+ youth. When young people feel accepted at home and in their community, they are better protected from depression, suicidal thoughts, and substance use.
Oregon LGBTQIA2S+ resources
Here are some helpful resources available in our state:
- Oregon Youth Resource Map: Helps youth ages 16-25 find programs, services and opportunities related to health, housing, education and more.
- TransActive Gender Project (Lewis & Clark Graduate School): Supports transgender and gender-expansive children, youth and families with services that promote healthy lives.
- PFLAG: Eight chapters across Oregon offers tips to families on how to support LGBTQIA2S+ youth.
- Family Acceptance Project: Helps families and communities learn how to support LGBTQIA2S+ youth and reduce health risks.
- The Trevor Project: Provides suicide prevention, crisis support and educational materials for LGBTQIA2S+ youth.
- New Avenues for Youth’s Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center (Portland): Offers culturally specific support.
- The Next Door: Supports youth with outreach, mentoring, life‑skills training, and Pride Month events in the Columbia Gorge.
- Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living (EOCIL): Provides safe spaces, community support and empowerment for two‑spirit and LGBTQIA+ people in 13 Eastern Oregon counties.
- The Living Room (Clackamas County): Offers drop‑in support, events, school programs, and education for GLBTQQ youth.
- Transponder (Eugene): A transgender‑led nonprofit offering wellness programs, support groups, events, and training.
- Rainbow Youth: Creates welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth and friends through social gatherings and one‑on‑one support.
- Sankofa Collective: A home for Portland’s Black LGBTQ community, focusing on belonging and cultural connection.
- Marie Equi Center: Supports trans, queer, intersex, and gender‑diverse people with trauma‑informed and culturally affirming care.
- Rogue Trans: A grassroots organization supporting transgender, non‑binary, and gender‑diverse people through community building and connection to resources.
- Oregon LGBTQ Support: Lists statewide resources focused on improving mental health and well‑being for LGBTQ youth and families.
Crisis and support lines
OHA also partners with other state agencies, counties, Tribal nations, and organizations to make sure young people can access help whenever they need it.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Available 24/7 for anyone experiencing emotional distress, thoughts of suicide, self-harm concerns, or substance use crisis. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Available in English and Spanish.
- Oregon Alliance to Prevent Suicide: Works to prevent suicide among youth and young adults in Oregon.
- YouthLine: Peer-to-peer support for ages 10-24. Youth volunteers answer from 4-10 p.m. daily; adults answer outside those hours.
- Call 1-877-968-8491.
- Text teen2teen to 839863.
- Chat at theyouthline.org.
As we head into summer, remember that no young person has to face challenges alone. Support, community and caring people are here year-round. By staying connected and lifting each other up, we can help LGBTQIA2S+ youth feel safe, valued and supported. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out.
Together, we can make sure every young person has the chance to thrive.
