LGBTQ Professionals in Salem, OR

OutLaw represents the heart of LGBTQ+ community at Lewis & Clark College's law school in Portland, Oregon, creating an inclusive space where law students can authentically be themselves while pursuing legal education. Founded on principles of solidarity and intersectional awareness, OutLaw welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning law students and allies who are committed to building community and supporting one another through the challenges of legal education. The organization's mission extends beyond social connection to meaningful advocacy and education. OutLaw brings pertinent legal and political issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community directly to the law school campus, ensuring these voices and concerns are heard and addressed within legal education. The group recognizes that LGBTQ+ law students often navigate unique challenges, and OutLaw provides both emotional support and practical resources to help members thrive academically and personally. What sets OutLaw apart is its explicit commitment to intersectionality and coalition-building. The organization acknowledges that members hold multiple, interconnected identities and may experience different forms of oppression based on race, gender, ability, and other factors. Rather than operating in isolation, OutLaw actively builds understanding and partnerships with other student affinity groups, recognizing that collective strength comes from solidarity across communities. The organization maintains thoughtful community guidelines designed to create and maintain a genuinely safe space where all members feel respected and valued. With experienced board members serving as mentors and advocates, OutLaw provides law students in Portland with both immediate community support and long-term professional relationships that extend beyond law school.

OGALLA—The LGBT Bar Association of Oregon—represents a historic commitment to supporting sexual minorities and gender non-conforming individuals within the legal profession. Founded in January 1991 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, OGALLA has spent over three decades building a vibrant community of LGBTQIA2S lawyers, judges, legal workers, law students, and allies united by shared values of justice and equity. At its heart, OGALLA is driven by a mission to create a legal system that is more just, equitable, and reflective of the communities it serves. The organization recognizes that diversity within the legal profession strengthens the pursuit of fair treatment for all people. By fostering a spirit of unity while celebrating the diversity within the LGBTQIA community, OGALLA creates meaningful spaces where legal professionals can forge deeper connections, support one another's advancement, and collaborate on systemic change. What sets OGALLA apart is its holistic approach to member support—combining professional development opportunities with social connection and community building. Members throughout Oregon benefit from a network of peers who understand both the professional challenges and lived experiences of LGBTQIA legal professionals. Through OGALLA's work, the organization ensures that LGBTQIA voices are heard in legal reform efforts, that discrimination is challenged within the profession, and that the next generation of diverse legal talent is nurtured and celebrated.

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.