New Marie Equi Center opens in Portland for low-income and homeless LGBTQ residents
- The Marie Equi Center has opened in Portland as the first dedicated resource for low-income and homeless LGBTQ residents, focusing on culturally and gender-affirming healthcare and community advocacy.
- Named after LGBTQ+ activist Dr. Marie Equi, the center embodies her legacy of radical queer resistance, providing comprehensive health services, community education, and advocacy aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
- The center emphasizes community involvement and personalized care to build trust and ensure that individuals feel valued, representing a new frontier in inclusive and equitable healthcare in Portland.
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On National Coming Out Day, dozens gathered in Southeast Portland to celebrate the opening of Portland's first center dedicated to supporting low-income and homeless LGBTQ residents. The Marie Equi Center, named after the pioneering LGBTQ+ activist Dr. Marie Equi, promises to be a beacon of hope and empowerment for the community it serves.
The Mission Behind the Center
The Marie Equi Center was founded with a clear mission to enrich the health of trans, queer, intersex, and other gender-diverse individuals in the Pacific Northwest. This mission is deeply rooted in the philosophy of cultural and gender-affirming healthcare, Health at Every Size, Racial Justice, Economic Equality, and Non-Violent Communication. The center's programs are designed to address the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQIA2S+ community, ensuring that every individual has access to informed and inclusive healthcare.
A Legacy of Radical Queer Resistance
Dr. Marie Equi was a trailblazer in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Born in 1872, she was one of the first women to run for the Oregon State Legislature and actively advocated for women's rights, workers' rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her legacy continues through the Marie Equi Center, which was founded in 2014 by Dr. Angela Carter and Katie Cox. The center's founders aimed to carry forward Dr. Equi's vision by creating a space where individuals can feel seen, heard, and cared for without any judgment.
Empowering Community Advocacy
At the heart of the Marie Equi Center is community advocacy. The center recognizes that traditional healthcare systems often fail to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. By advocating for these communities, the center helps connect them with resources that are specifically tailored to their identity and experiences. This approach ensures that people receive care that is not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually supportive.
Services Tailored to Community Needs
The Marie Equi Center offers a range of services that are designed to meet the diverse needs of its clients. These services include:
- Health Services: The center provides comprehensive health services that are polyamorous-friendly, kink-friendly, fat-positive, and 100% gender-affirming.
- Community Education: The center offers educational programs aimed at raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and promoting positive sociocultural change.
- Advocacy: The center advocates for policy changes that benefit the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that their rights are protected and respected.
- Support Groups: The center hosts various support groups, providing a safe space for individuals to connect with others who share similar experiences.
Celebrating a New Era in Healthcare
The grand opening of the Marie Equi Center was a momentous occasion for Portland's LGBTQ+ community. On National Coming Out Day, dozens gathered outside the center to celebrate this milestone. The event was marked by speeches from key figures in the community, highlighting the importance of this new resource. It was a day filled with hope and optimism, symbolizing a new era in healthcare that prioritizes inclusivity and understanding.
A Community Comes Together
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, finding accessible and informed healthcare can be a daunting task. The Marie Equi Center aims to change this narrative by creating a space where individuals feel valued and respected. The center's dedication to its mission is evident in the way it has brought together local organizations and community members to ensure its success.
Lupe Medina, a community health worker at the center, emphasizes the importance of building trust with clients. "People don’t see me as another staff member or someone superior; they see me as one of their own," she says. "This helps me open the door to get to know them better and help them in more specific ways." This approach underscores the center's commitment to personalized care and community engagement.
Looking Ahead
The Marie Equi Center is poised to make a significant impact in Portland's LGBTQ+ community. As a beacon of hope for low-income and homeless residents, it represents a new frontier in healthcare advocacy. With its comprehensive range of services and commitment to community advocacy, the center is well-positioned to address some of the most pressing issues facing this community.
In conclusion, the opening of the Marie Equi Center is a significant development for Portland’s LGBTQ+ community. It represents a step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system, one that prioritizes the needs and rights of all individuals regardless of their identity or socioeconomic status.
References:
- https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/marie-equi-center-a-huge-deal-for-supporting-portlands-lgbtq-community/
- https://www.marieequi.center
- https://www.opb.org/article/2024/10/13/marie-equi-center-opening-portland/
