This June marks the 10th anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court decision that granted marriage equality nationwide. How did LGBTQ+ families help shape this historical moment — and what can we learn from that victory to inform the work ahead?

Join Family Equality, Jim Obergefell, and a panel of policy experts and outspoken change-makers for a special virtual panel highlighting the impact of LGBTQ+ family voices in the movement for marriage equality. Together, we’ll discuss the state of marriage equality ten years later, the power of storytelling, and the role that everyday LGBTQ+ families played—and can continue to play—in making history.

Join us for an unusual midweek hike starting at Phil's Trailhead and hiking the West Bend Trail. We'll hike away from the extensive mountain bike trail network that is Phils to the trail easement that passes through Cascade Highlands. The easement is managed by the Bend Parks and Recreation District. Much of the hike is in the 1990 burn scar of the Aubrey Butte fire. This scar is now defined by substantial residential developments, including the large-lot Cascade Highlands community. Trail is compacted soil with little change in elevation, is well graded and somewhat wider than single track. Vegetation is ponderosa/grassland mix. Length is approximately 4-5 miles dependent on whether we do an out/back or loop. Well-behaved leashed dogs welcome!

To find us search Phil’s Trails, Bend in your map app. At Phil’s look for a white Audi Q5 with hatch up and a rainbow bandana on lift.

Let’s honor the 10th anniversary of marriage equality with Family Equality and LGBTQ+ families across the country as we enjoy a casual hour of connection, reflection, and storytelling centering around the theme of COMMITMENT.

From black tie affairs to Canadian elopements—town hall weddings to commitment ceremonies—we want to hear how you and your family have vowed to love and cherish each other. What inspired you to take the leap? What obstacles did you face? How did you feel after?

Stories are powerful ways to build bridges and find community. If you’re searching for a chance to connect, reflect, and bring visibility to families like yours, register for log-in information today!

Bestselling author Joanie Lindenmeyer will be reading and answering questions from her three 2SLGBTQIA+ books bringing laughs, a little shock, tears and joy to all. Nun Better tells the love story between Joanie and her partner and finally wife of 40yrs after meeting as nuns! Joyously Free shares real stories from the community and on finding joy through the struggles. Healing Religious Hurts also has contributing authors sharing their stories on finding their place and peace within their spiritual beliefs. Joanie speaks about religion and how Jesus loves ALL of us - regardless of what others think.

The High Desert Horticultural Center invites you to get inspired to Plant Native. "Which Plant Where" is the first in a series this season for all skill levels to effectively landscape with native plants, conserve resources and save the world in your own yard. Learn how to evaluate your site - according to exposure, light, moisture, and soil - and select plants that will thrive there.

Fee: $40 ($30 for High Desert HC members)

Special thanks to our class series sponsor: Szabo Landscape Architecture

A special opportunity to meet the fascinating Joanie Lindenmeyer , author of "Nun Better; A Love Story". Joanie will start the evening talking about her books and message of love and healing.

Afterwards, get ready to jump in and start creating a collage to express whatever you wish to explore or reveal: your journey, interests, or any funny, wierd and wild things that intrigue you. Just have some fun with it.

Supplies will be provided (including bins of various images and items). Feel free to bring a photo or token that is meaningful to you or just be spontaneous and see where it leads. No previous collage or art experience is required.

Light refreshments and snacks will be served.

Come one, come all! This is an exciting local event that we do every month, usually at different venues. It's open to everyone in the LGBTQ community, plus our allies - a great chance to meet people, laugh, eat and drink, and support our local businesses! Hope to see you there.

Join The Lounge Bend

The incredible Dr. Jourdan Carboy with be at The Lounge Bend for a Q+A session on April 17th from 5pm-7pm!

Dr. Carboy is a skilled and compassionate surgeon specializing in gender-affirming procedures and the best part is she accepts all major insurances and currently has NO Waitlist!

This is a special opportunity to connect, ask questions and learn more about your options

A Fundraiser to support local gender non-conforming organizations

April 12th @ The Barrel Room - $15 per person

Come Join POP for a night of music, and dancing! All proceeds go to organizations that provide gender affirming care and support. Show your trans and non-binary community some love by shaking your booty to talented djs and musical artists!

Please join us on this out & back hike through central Oregon's 29,000 acre federally designated high desert wilderness administered by the Bureau of Land Management. The Badlands were created by relatively recent volcanic lava flows and wind blown solidified ash eroded by wind and water (precipitation). This out-and-back hike is approximately 6+ miles on mostly level terrain with some compact sand segments and some rock scrambling at Castle Rock. Views looking west toward the Cascades are spectacular.

Come one, come all! This is an exciting local event that we do every month, usually at different venues. It's open to everyone in the LGBTQ community, plus our allies - a great chance to meet people, laugh, eat and drink, and support our local businesses! Hope to see you there.

Take Back the Night with Saving Grace 3/24!

Take Back the Night has evolved over the years to address a broader range of issues related to sexual violence, including domestic violence, street harassment, and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. The movement continues to be an important force for advocacy, education, and support for survivors, with events taking place annually in cities and towns across the globe.

Join us for a hike in Shevlin Park, a Bend jewel, donated by the timber baron Shevlin family. This hike will start at the south side parking area. From there we'll head west to the mesa top adjacent to Shevlin Commons where we'll walk a couple miles before dropping into the Tumalo Creek canyon, then return to the parking area. Along the way we'll see both healthy riparian and open forest habitat. This is a moderately easy hike of about 5 miles.

Please join Oregon Equal Rights for All Campaign, working to amend the Oregon Constitution to protect reproductive freedom, transgender rights, and marriage equality in Bend on March 15th from 4pm-8pm at the Breakroom.