Eugene gay bar
LGBTQIA-Friendly
Community History
In 1977, the Urban area of Eugene enacted a measure to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in housing, employment and public access. While the measure was subsequently overturned, it was just the beginning of the community's efforts to ensure equal rights and protection for all.
In 1987, Oregon Governor Neil Goldschmidt issued an executive order banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation within state employment. The order was revoked by Ballot Measure 8, which in turn was ruled unconstitutional in 1992.
Starting in 2002, the domestic partner registry was made accessible in Eugene, while statewide, public employers were required to offer same benefits for same-sex local partners.
In 2015, as equality in marriage was ushered in, the State of Oregon banned conversion therapy targeting youth under the age of 18 years. It was signed into law by Governor Kate Brown, the first openly LGBTQIA governor. Today, the City of Eugene continues to include protection of sexual orientation in areas of employment, housing and public accommodation
4: A Gay Block in Eugene
Eugene, where the campaign began, provides a portal to explore Oregon’s political and cultural geography.
“A rarely told part of the story,” remembers Scot Nakagawa, “is the origin of the No on 9 campaign. It began with an election for steering committee members at a gay prevent in Eugene.”
To grasp the significance of this, and how much the eventual organization of the campaign veered from its origins, we need to stare at the political and cultural geography of Oregon in 1992. It’s a story of dominance and control that continues to this day.
The first two facts to know:
Oregon’s population is highly concentrated in the handful of counties with sizable cities, and is overwhelmingly white. The 1990 census counted more than 90 percent of residents as white, just under 4 percent as Hispanic or Latino, 2.4 percent as Asian, 1.6 percent Black, and 1.4 percent Native American. Since then Oregon’s population has grown by 1.5 million people but remains 84 percent pale, 44th among states for its percentage of African Americans.
Oregon’s Political Geography
Oregon is the ninth largest state by area, covering nearly 100k square miles between Washi
Spectrum is a venue as diverse as our LGBTQIA+ collective, offering accessible vacuum for working, eating, celebrating, enjoying art and being part of the revolution. We are pledged to providing a progressive safe room, accessible to a spectrum of Eugene's needs.
150 W. Broadway
Eugene, OR 97401
BAR & EVENT VENUE
After August 11th, 2024 we will be permanently closed
Eugene LGBTQ City Guide
Eugene is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Oregon. Home to the University of Oregon, Eugene is situated between a number of marvelous vistas, including the Skinner Butte, the Spencer Butte, and the Coburgh Hills, it provides residents with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, including hiking and cycling through gorgeous woods, kayaking or rafting on nearby lakes and rivers, or simply relaxing outside on a gorgeous day. Eugene usually gets terrific rankings when it comes to being a green city; it is known for its evolving, humane policies and its nurturing and preservation of the local natural environment. Eugene also has a thriving arts scene, and many welcoming neighborhoods. Even better, it has a thriving LGBTQ people where all can feel famous and at home. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Eugene, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Eugene's History
Eugene was officially incorporated as a city in 1862. It was named after the first settler who arrived in the area – Eugene Skinner. He found the area to be beautiful, and those who follow