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Travel Alternative Group (TAG) Approved Hotels -
Eugene's LGBT-Positive Organizations & Activities - Social Action
Back in the 60's, Eugene put the "Counter" in "Culture." Today, the city is home to year-round Festivals and Events and ongoing activism that make for a vibrant and varied place to live and play. We take pride in our personal and political diversity, and inclusivity is more than just the buzzword of the moment. Along with our outdoor recreation, abundant natural beauty, and noteworthy artist gatherings, inclusivity is a defining feature of our community.
Eugene is uniquely enriched by the University of Oregon, which at 20,000 students, makes a significant contribution to the city. In 2006, the U of O was named one of the top 20 schools in the country for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, according to The Advocate. The guide highlights the University's positive environment, programs and services and strong LGBT student support. Nominations were gathered from 680 campuses across the country!
From the energy of the University to dynamic happenings such as the internationally-recognized, über-hip Oregon Bach Festival, the happily iconoclastic Oregon Country Fair and the très chic Oregon Truffle Festival, the cultural scene attracts culturally-invested seekers from near and far. Can't wait to learn more about Eugene, Cascades & Coast? Sign up here to receive our e-newsletter.
TAG Approved Hotels
(Back to Top)Valley River Inn - Eugene's Premier Resort Style Hotel. Eugene's premier full-service hotel, located on the banks of the Willamette River. Scenic views, professional staff, comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.
Village Green Resort & Gardens - Located in Cottage Grove, this property features world-class gardens. This newly remodeled hotel is only minutes south of Eugene. Clean, comfortable newly renovated rooms with private garden patios. Enjoy down comforters, fireplace, microwave and refrigerator. Fourteen acres (5.6 ha) of beautiful theme gardens and walking paths with bike rentals available .
From cozy Bed and Breakfasts to full-service hotels to properties priced with economy in mind, Eugene offers a solid selection of conveniently located lodging, many of which actively promote themselves as gay-friendly, and the great majority of which hold hospitality to all as a service standard.
Eugene's LGBT-Positive Organizations & Activities
(Back to Top)Recreate
The Pacific Northwest is justly famous for its natural beauty and Eugene leads the way in outdoor opportunities throughout the seasons. The city has a long-term love affair with running, which has earned us the nickname "Track Town USA". An expression of that passion is the LGBT community's "Frontrunners / Walkers" group. The metro area is nestled between two rivers, and the LGBT Kayaking Club and Rainbow River Women Social Group take advantage of the waterways. Miles of well-maintained bicycling trails wind through the city, making us a destination that's friendly to alternative forms of transportation, as well as a safe and fun way to get out and around.
Did you know Eugene is only an hour from the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and the dramatic Highway 101 coastline? This area inspires adventures as varied and exhilarating as dune buggy rides to romantic beach walks to canoeing on the intercoastal waterways while you scout for shorebirds. In fact, great birding throughout the county is one of the benefits of being on the Pacific flyway. We even have the Fern Ridge Wings and Wine Festival in May, to celebrate two of our notable attractions at one event - fabulous wine and our feathered friends.
One hour to the east of Eugene finds you in the Cascade Mountain range, with its natural hot springs, Nordic and Alpine Skiing, backcountry hiking trails or well-developed footpaths. The area's diverse golf courses are a mecca for those who love to spend a few hours on the course while on vacation. The area hosted the USGA Women's Amateur in 2008. Eugene has a Women's Rugby Club and a weekly LGBTQ Tennis group, as well as a wide variety of gay-friendly outdoor groups year 'round.
Socialize
Eugenians love to dance! Every night of the week there are multiple dance venues around town, where "no-partner-required" lessons are often available. You will find everything from Latin to Swing to Ballroom to HipHop to Disco. There are a number of long-standing Dance Clubs that welcome visitors, including "Lez Dance," "Spin Cycle Squares," and the "Emerald Empire", which is supportive of all-position dancing.
Eugene's thriving arts scene includes contemporary music venues, theater companies, symphony and chamber music groups. Art groups energize the community, and First Friday Artwalk, galleries, museums, and the Oregon Crafted self-guided tours add to the multi-dimensional offerings in the city and the outlying communities.
The city boasts an HIV-POZ Social Group, a weekly gathering with LGBTQ-themed movies, and a Lesbian & Gay Parenting Group that hosts numerous events throughout the year. Mother Kali's Bookstore frequently offers Poetry Slam, Drumming Circles, and Political Organizing. The Sorumundi Lesbian Choir performs statewide, and WYMPROV, Eugene's Own Improv Troupe Since 1991, generates scathingly brilliant entertainment at special events. A calendar of ongoing community events can be found at queereugene.com.
Social Action
(Back to Top)The City of Eugene includes protection of sexual orientation in areas of employment, housing, and public accommodation. The City of Eugene, as well as the U of O, are both members of the Fair Workplace Project, wherein hundreds of Oregon businesses have pledged to support ALL their employees, including those who are LGBT. Statewide, public (non-federal) employers must offer equal benefits for same-sex domestic partners. Domestic partner registry is available in the city, and has been since 2002.
The PRIDE Annual Celebration, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Queer Business Network, Citizens Alliance of Lane County (CALC), Lesbians of Color, The Lesbian Connection (TLC), and an active PFLAG Chapter are all local resources engaged in creating community support and awareness. The U of O's Standing Committee of LBGT Issues is a vital organization as are The Outlaws, the Lesbian Gay Law Student Association. On the secondary level, many schools have GLBTQ Youth Groups, representatives for Gay/Straight Alliance, and HIV Alliance Prevention.
The Welcome Mat is Out - Come to Eugene and Play!
