Task Force Information

The LGBTQIA+ Rights Task Force was created in 2017 to address issues of LGBTQ rights in our community. This task force is a subcommittee of the HRC. Through the guidance of Chapters 3 and 8 of the Salem Revised Code this task force promotes LGBTQIA+ inclusion in a healthy, safe, and respectful civic community.

This task force 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 Task Force 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 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 task force 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.

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 under. 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.

pflagsalemor@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.