Q Center

Ok I have been coming to this center for several years. I think I got a good review and description down.
They present themselves as a Community center, however it is ran more like a meeting center. Its a non-​profit, so it gets a little confusing. Staff are not on hand to ask knowledgeable questions. I am not sure the volunteer and staff ever frequented other community centers, in the past. Or if they have just chosen to run it with their parameters, however I will again say, this is not ran like a community center. Maître d/​host at front is used as a greeter, they do the basics. I have never seen any assistance, of a person in need. Outside of their weekly Meals on Wheels for of about 10 elder-​lies. People under the age of 18 do not walk in these doors… ever.
There are a decent set of groups and meetings, during the work hours of the week. Mostly addiction/​abuse/​self help related. There is a aerobics class. for the elderly. A few Sex oriented work shops/​lecture meetings. There is a small library of about 3000 books, with a computer lab. and that’s it. The place is put together well, looks nice. but nothing much to it, outside of a place that people go to meet. Almost zero foot traffic. Expect to be here for a meeting only.
The staff at the front, are untrained. A few seem to have worked around this type of work before, the rest seem to donate their time. The ones you see the most, are the most unskilled/​untrained, ironically.
I wish this place was more involved in the community. People that live in this area, don’t come here. Kids don’t come here. Its a shell of a place that could be legendary, with meetings that keep it open to pay its rent.

One of the best LGBT centers I have ever been to, friendly people and a VERY welcoming atmosphere. Great 12 step meetings here and the staff is amazing and helpful. I also like all the info on Portland’s gay scene they offer. Love this place!!!

Great event space. We rented it for a non-​profit conference type event and the people were nice and flexible, the space was perfect for breakout sessions, and the A/​V equipment worked great!

Woohoo! As good as it gets! We’re so lucky to have Q Center for all members of our community — there’s an incredible bunch of people who work here to make sure that needs are met for youth, middle-​aged, and seniors in Portland from all walks of life. The vision at Q Center is spot on, programs like SMYRC, Bridge 13, Rainbow Babies, Gender Queery, Late Awakenings and Generations Read are just examples of how committed Q Center is to the entire LGBTQA community. Thank you, Q Center! Please keep up the great work.

Very nice meeting space as well as helpful resource for the LGBTQQI community. They are open to everyone. Easy parking in the neighborhood. I’m not sure that the entrance is easily accessible to people with disabilities. I saw one man trying to get in the door in a wheelchair and someone had to come help him with the door. It didn’t seem like there was a door that would open easily for a wheelchair without assistance from another person. I’ve only been there once so I can’t really say more than this. Thank you for being in the Portland community.

I have only gone to the Q Center for Cabaret Night (yes, its exactly as it sounds) and it was wonderful. You can either sing alone, or pick a song for the entire group to sing. Nothing is better than singing musicals, Disney songs, and modern day hits in a room full of complete strangers. Karaōke-​ish, but much MUCH more fun, and relaxed.
There are always snacks served, and drinks for a small fee. Did I mention that Cabaret night is FREE???

You want to talk about community lovin’- Q Center is bringing a whole new level to a non-​profit organization. I’ve learned so much about them in the past week it makes me smile on the inside and out… community work in the LGBTQ world that really really changes life.
Saturday night I was at their benefit at the Nines Hotel, and I got a peek into what they are doing for our Portland Queer community. One stuck out to me, and I’ll just have to quote it:
«Q Center has held a ‘high school’ prom in the past for those people who were not able to attend with the person they cared about.» Just so you understand– this means back in the 60s and 70s when there wasn’t as much freedom.
The image of these freed individuals dancing to classics and smiling, finally, brings a smile to my face.
No matter your orientation, beliefs or political standpoint– everyone can agree that seeing a room of love can only be beautiful. The staff at Q Center only brings this flow of love, and the patrons who represent and support them return it with a big smile.
They offer everything from abuse resources, to transsexual support, to a person first coming out. They also stand for the women and have a very strong back bone in the feminist community.
I love Q Center.