LGBTQ Non-Profit Organizations in Salem, OR

Founded in 1996 by a group of 13 students in Salem, Oregon, Latinos Unidos Siempre (L.U.S.) has grown into a vital community organization dedicated to youth empowerment and social justice. The organization emerged from a critical moment when Salem's Latino community faced immigration raids, high school dropout rates, gang activity, and hostile legislative proposals, with young people stepping forward to advocate for change. Today, L.U.S. continues this legacy of youth leadership by welcoming young people of all backgrounds—ages 12 to 25—who identify as Latino or who are passionate about working for social justice alongside the Latino community. The organization's approach combines cultural affirmation, educational support, and political organizing to combat racist stereotypes and discrimination while building the next generation of community leaders. Operating as the youth arm of Mano a Mano Family Center in Salem, L.U.S. maintains deep roots in local movements for immigrant rights and community equality, collaborating with organizations like CAUSA and the Salem-Keizer Coalition for Equality. With a membership that is predominantly female and Latino, L.U.S. has proven itself as an incubator for emerging leaders, with six alumni currently serving as staff members at partner organizations, including the Executive Director of Mano a Mano. The organization's sustained presence in Salem for nearly three decades reflects its commitment to creating spaces where young people can develop their voices, build solidarity, and work toward meaningful social change in their community.

Founded in 1977 by parents Ann and Bill Shepherd and Rita and Charles Knapp in response to their children coming out, PFLAG Portland has evolved into a vital community institution serving the Tigard and Portland area. What began as Parents of Gays meeting monthly in a living room grew into one of the nation's most established PFLAG chapters, with a remarkable 40-year history of supporting LGBTQ individuals and their families through profound social and legal changes. The chapter's journey reflects Portland's own evolution—from the ballot measure battles of the 1990s and early 2000s through marriage equality victories and into today's focus on transgender rights and community resilience. PFLAG Portland's commitment extends beyond support to include intentional community-building with Portland's communities of color, launching the PFLAG Portland Black Chapter in 2009 as the first PFLAG chapter created by and for the Black LGBTQ community. As part of the national PFLAG network—which includes over 200,000 members and supporters across nearly 400 chapters—PFLAG Portland connects local families to a broader movement while maintaining deep roots in the Tigard and Portland communities. Today, the chapter combines traditional in-person gatherings with innovative online support circles through PFLAG Connects, adapting to how community members live and work while honoring its founding principle of keeping families strong. PFLAG Portland remains committed to celebrating the wonderful diversity of LGBTQ neighbors and creating spaces where acceptance becomes celebration.