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Local Organizations

LEGAL COMMUNITY

Oregon Gay and Lesbian Law Association (OGALLA) 

  • OGALLA is the LGBT Bar Association of Oregon, an association of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lawyers, judges, legal workers, law students, and others who support the needs of sexual minorities and gender non-conforming people in the legal profession.
  • OGALLA hosts an annual dinner and silent auction in the fall, which is a great opportunity to meet LGBTQ+ legal professionals and attorneys. 

The LGBT Bar
  • The National LGBT Bar Association is a national association of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals, law students, activists, and affiliated lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender legal organizations. The LGBT Bar promotes justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBTQ+ community in all its diversity.
  • The LGBT Bar hosts the Lavender Law Conference & Career Fair in early August in the East coast. Lavender Law has served as a ‘family reunion’ for LGBTQ+ and ally legal professionals to both look back at our shared history and to look forward to the future of the legal profession. It is the largest LGBTQ+ legal conference in the country with approximately 1700 attendees attending annually. 

Oregon State Bar’s Diversity & Inclusion (OSB D&I)
  • The D&I department serves as a key resource to assist the OSB in advancing diversity and inclusion in all the bar’s mission areas, programs and activities. 
  • OSB D&I also hosts OLIO, which is the Oregon State Bar’s recruitment and retention program for law students who can contribute to the bar’s historically or currently underrepresented membership; who have experienced economic, social, or other barriers; who have personally experienced discrimination or oppression; or who can otherwise demonstrate a commitment to advancing the D&I Department’s mission.  OLIO happens every year annually before law school, open to mostly 1Ls but some returning upper division students. 

International Lesbian & Gay Law Association
  • The International Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, and Intersex Law Association (ILGLaw) unites people around the world who are dedicated to the principle of equality under the law for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and intersex persons.

SCHOLARSHIPS, STIPENDS & EXTERNSHIP PROGRAMS

L&C Scholarship Info
OSB D&I Programs
  • D&I programs are open to individuals who can help advance the department’s mission. As such, students whose applications support an intent to practice law in Oregon will be given preference. However, the D&I Department encourages all law students who can advance the mission of the department and who might consider practicing law in Oregon to apply. Eligible students include those who 1) can contribute to the bar’s historically or currently underrepresented membership; 2) have experienced economic, social, or other barriers; 3) have experienced discrimination or oppression or can otherwise demonstrate a commitment to advancing the D&I Department’s mission.
  • The D&I Department administers a yearly Judicial Mentorship Program in collaboration with the Oregon Judicial Department (OJD).  The program provides support, advice, and connection to the legal community for diverse law students in Oregon. 
  • Summer Stipend programs are available for law school students who will continue to be enrolled in law school in the fall term and who will help achieve the bar’s diversity mission. Students selected to receive stipends will choose, depending on the type of summer employment opportunity they obtain, whether they wish to receive their stipend in the form of a Public Honors Fellowship or a Clerkship.
  • The D&I Department awards three bar exam grants for the February exam, and six grants for the July exam, to those applicants whose personal experiences, accomplishments, commitment to practice law in Oregon, and financial need demonstrate that they will help the department achieve its mission. Each grant award consists of an $800 stipend to be used for expenses associated with preparing to take the bar exam (i.e. a bar exam prep course, child care, or living expenses while studying for the bar), as well as a reimbursement of $750 of the Admissions application fee. 
  • Rebar is a holistic program designed to help JDs retaking the bar exam. Rebar includes: 1) an online black letter Kaplan bar prep course, tailored for those repeating the exam; 2) in person evening classes with the Rebar cohort to develop testing skills and address known challenges; 3) support from the Oregon Attorney Assistance Program; and 4) a stipend to alleviate financial pressures that might hinder the applicant’s ability to prepare for the bar. 

Oregon’s Office of Student Access and Completion
Pride Foundation Scholarships and Grants
  • Pride Foundation Scholarships and Grants support LGBTQ+ and allied students who are facing incredible barriers, regardless of school, major, or GPA. The next cycle of scholarship applications will open October 11, 2019.

 JLV LGBTQ+ Scholarships: 
  • A free personal college counselor and scholarship guru who understands that access to this information is a priority for all students. Check out her scholarship page for information on scholarships for: LQBTQ+ students, military personnel and veterans, students of color, religious scholarships, international students, parents, non-traditionally aged students, disability and health scholarships, study abroad, and more.

LEWIS & CLARK RESOURCES

**Queer Resources Guidebook found here**

Name/Sex Change:
This form can be filled out for L&C Registrar to document your change.



Other affinity student organizations:
We plan to work closely with the other affinity groups and we invite you to join them and support their individually organized events. Their information is listed here among the legal practice/interest student organizations. Additionally, visit our Events page to see when the annual Student Org Fair happens and collaborative events between us and other affinity groups.

GENERAL L&C RESOURCES

 


WELLNESS AND SAFETY RESOURCES

 

Exercise & Queer-friendly Activities

 

PERSONAL SAFETY

 

HOTLINES AND KEY CONTACTS

  • The Trevor Project hotline: 1-866-488-7386 or chat online. 
  • Suicide Hotline: 1(800) 273-8255
  • GLAAD Trans Hotline: (877) 565-8860
  • GLBT National Hotline: 1(888)843-4564
  • LC Ombudsperson: (503) 768-7336
  • LC Counseling Service: (503) 768-7160



PORTLAND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS & LOCAL SAFE SPACES

Marrow PDX:

  • Marrow is a youth-centered community space, with a focus on education, the arts, and activism. They run drag shows, live music, arts and crafts and workshops. 
  • ​Volunteer with Marrow here. 


​SMYRC (The Sexual and Gender Minority Youth Resource Center)

  • SMYRC provides a safe, supervised, harassment-free space for sexual and gender minority youth ages 13-23 who participate in positive activities like art, music, community organizing, open mic nights, drag shows, and support groups and receive services including case management, counseling, education, and more. With the goals of increasing academic success and access to jobs, reducing poverty and school drop-out, SMYRC honors, empowers, and supports LGBTQ youth to be their best selves and become leaders in their communities. You can also volunteer with SMYRC.
  • SMYRC also offers mental health support services.  A Cascadia Behavioral Health LGBTQ Mental Health Specialist is in the SMYRC Drop-in Center on Mondays at our downtown location and Wednesdays at our East County location. 


Portland Q Center

  • The Q Center aims to provide safe spaces, community building and empowerment for the positive transformation of LGBTQ2SIA+ communities and allies in the Pacific Northwest. As the largest LGBTQ+ community center in the Pacific Northwest, Q Center proudly serves the LGBTQ2SIA+ communities of Portland Metro and Southwest Washington. Our drop-in and event space on North Mississippi Avenue is a frequent first stop for new arrivals in Portland, and for longtime residents who are newly out or questioning their sexual or gender identity. 
  • Search through the Q Center’s Online Information & Referral Service to find resources for LGBTQ2SIA+ community members in Portland Metro, SW Washington, and Oregon.


Basic Rights of Oregon (BRO)

  • BRO aims to ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Oregonians experience equality by building a broad and inclusive politically powerful movement, shifting public opinion, and achieving policy victories and that all LGBTQ Oregonians live free from discrimination and be treated with dignity and respect in every community in our state.
  • Resources such as training requests, legal resources and toolkits are found here.

​
Outside In

  • Outside In has transformed thousands of lives by helping break the cycles of chronic homelessness, poverty, and poor health among Portland’s LGBTQIA+ community, people of color, those experiencing homelessness, and the underserved. Our health clinic and young adult programs strive to meet people where they are and provide safe, affirming spaces for our community to receive judgment-free care and support. They accept most health insurances but do not refuse service for anyone unable to pay.
  • Volunteer opportunities are available here. 


Other PDX groups:


NATIONWIDE GROUPS

The Trevor Project


Transgender Law Center


Human Rights Campaign (HRC):

  • As the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans, the Human Rights Campaign represents a force of more than 3 million members and supporters nationwide.
  • HRC’s resources are found here, including Trans-inclusive toolkits and packets for work.


Immigration Equality

  • Immigration Equality is leading the effort to end discrimination in U.S. immigration law, to reduce its negative impact on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and HIV-positive people, and to obtain asylum for those persecuted in their home countries based on their sexual orientation, transgender identity or HIV-status. Click the link to view current volunteer and internship opportunities.


Lambda Legal

  • Founded in 1973, Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization whose mission is to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. Jobs, volunteer, and internship opportunities can be found here. 


National Gay & Lesbian Task Force

  • The nation’s oldest LGBTI civil rights advocacy organization, and first to be a regular presence on Capitol Hill as a lobbying voice on behalf of LGBTI citizens, the Task Force is a creative, moving presence in Washington DC, and across the country, partnering with and helping strengthen local and state organizations. They are also a great place for internships! 


Out and Equal

  • Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is the world’s premier nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender workplace equality. The LGBT CareerLink page will connect you with a database of current opportunities with workplaces committed to creating inclusive atmospheres.


Trans Student Education Resources

  • Trans Student Educational Resources is a youth-led organization dedicated to transforming the educational environment for trans and gender nonconforming students through advocacy and empowerment. In addition to our focus on creating a more trans-friendly education system, our mission is to educate the public and teach trans activists how to be effective organizers. We believe that justice for trans and gender nonconforming youth is contingent on an intersectional framework of activism. Volunteer, internship, scholarship, and leadership summit opportunities are available.


National Center for Transgender Equality

  • The National Center for Transgender Equality is the nation’s leading social justice advocacy organization winning life-saving change for transgender people. NCTE was founded in 2003 by transgender activists who recognized the urgent need for policy change to advance transgender equality. With a committed board of directors, a volunteer staff of one, and donated office space, we set out to accomplish what no one had yet done: provide a powerful transgender advocacy presence in Washington, D.C.


Trans Employment Program

  • Launched in 2007 as TEEI (Transgender Economic Empowerment Initiative), the Trans Employment Program is the first city funded program to help transgender and GNC people get back to work and address the economic barriers facing the community. Since the program started, it has connected community members with thousands of jobs in diverse, equal, and rewarding workplaces. We changed our name in 2016 to better reflect what we do and what we offer. The program provides a wide range of services including: job referrals and career coaching, navigating being out at work or transitioning on the job, resume review and managing references, hiring and community event, mentoring, and legal services.


Other Workplace Resources:


INTERSECTING RESOURCES
Being queer and non-binary has cultural specific barriers when intersecting with identities of color, ability, and many more identities and experiences. Below are some organizations that work to support specific intersections in addition to professional organizations that work to support specific identities. 

National Association of the Deaf
The advocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering a lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of early intervention, education, employment, health care, technology, telecommunications, youth leadership, and more – improving the lives of millions of deaf and hard of hearing Americans. The NAD also carries out its federal advocacy work through coalition efforts with specialized national deaf and hard of hearing organizations, as well as coalitions representing national cross-disability organizations.

Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf
The Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (RAD) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1977. The purpose of this Alliance is to establish and maintain a society of Deaf GLBT to encourage and promote the educational, economical, and social welfare; to foster fellowship; to defend our rights; and advance our interests as Deaf GLBT citizens concerning social justice; to build up an organization in which all worthy members may participate in the discussion of practical problems and solutions related to their social welfare. RAD has over 20 chapters in the United States and Canada. 

Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women and Transgender Coalition
APIQWTC provides opportunities for Asian & Pacific Islander queer women and transgender people to socialize, network, build community, engage in inter-generational organizing, and increase community visibility. We are a fun, welcoming, multi-generational group of Asian & Pacific islander queer women and transgender people in the Bay Area, who are building community together.

The National Association of Asian American Professionals
The National Association of Asian American Professionals is a nonprofit organization that cultivates and empowers Asian & Pacific Islander leaders through professional development, community service, and networking.

The Center for Black Equity
Our mission is to promote a multinational LGBT network dedicated to improving health and wellness opportunities, economic empowerment, and equal rights while promoting individual and collective work, responsibility, and self-determination.
Click here for a robust list of organizations supporting black professionals.

Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement
Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement (Familia: TQLM) is the only national organization that addresses, organizes, educates, and advocates for the issues most important to our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) and Latino communities. Familia: TQLM is inclusive and serves of all LGBTQ Latinos, Latinas, and gender nonconforming individuals. We also collaborate with non-LGBTQ families and friends who support our vision of a united LGBTQ Latino and Latina community.

Association of Latino Professionals for America
There is a real need for more Latino leaders. At a time when the business community desperately seeks talent and America’s young Latinos desperately seek opportunity, ALPFA is a bridge between the two resulting in thousands of Latino college students in paid professional internships and careers.  ALPFA develops the next generation of Latino professionals via experiential leadership development and mentoring from senior corporate executives, whom we empower into the C-suite and onto corporate boards. ALPFA is also a proven growth accelerator for Latino entrepreneurs, helping them to build networks, access capital, and scale much more rapidly by opening the door to significant business opportunities with our more than 200 Fortune 1000 partners.

Network of Arab-American Professionals
Channeling member passions into the implementation of 5 goals enables members, organization and community to better realize potential by promoting professional networking and social interaction among Arab-American and Arab professionals in the US and abroad. Educating both the Arab-American and non-Arab communities about Arab culture, identity, and concerns. Advancing the Arab-American community by empowering, protecting and promoting its political causes and interests in the US and abroad within all levels of society. Supporting the Arab student movement in the United States. Serving society through volunteerism and community service efforts.

The East Coast Two Spirit Society
The East Coast Two Spirit Society is a member of the International Council of Two Spirit Societies. As a member of the International Council of Two Spirit Societies, we are able to advocate for and promote change in policy, in public perception of Two Spirit people, and for change on municipal, state and federal levels. EC2SS is concerned with the growing lack of regard for the lives of our Two Spirit people, especially those who may be Trans* identified. We believe that the importance of strong advocacy for these members of our Family cannot be overstated. 

Native Action Network
Provide an environment in which Native women daughters, mothers, granddaughters, and great-grandmothers can interact with one another, share knowledge, and honor Native women making a difference in their communities. To unite Native women of all ages and create a forum that celebrates the power which women have in creating positive change within their families and communities.

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