We are proud of our club and our city.

Pride started because people who were marginalized in our society had had enough and stood up against police brutality and discrimination. For a lot of people, the road to equality is paved by self-loathing, painful discovery, and fear of their community. Over the years, the LGBTQQ community has used Pride Month to celebrate diversity, our individuality, and our common ground: Love.

I’m proud of the Rose City Riveters, the Timbers Army, and the 107IST. We are organizations that say no to discrimination, to hate speech, racism, sexism, xenophobia or homophobia. And we put actions and money behind our words. Especially given the recent events, I feel it is even more important to create a community and culture that is inclusive and allows others to be themselves. This is true for children and adults. No one deserves to be fearful of their community.

This month, we are offering two different pieces of merchandise that are fundraising for two different organizations that have a direct impact on our community. Both of these organizations are focused on creating a safe space for young people.

The Riveters and Timbers Army have produced a new Pride scarf. The proceeds for this scarf will be going to The Living Room, an organization in Clackamas County that works with LGBTQQ youth. 

The Living Room is an organization with a stable and well-defined infrastructure that creates safe spaces through community education and collaborations. Using youth/adult partnership model, we offer accessible programming and resources that encourage the personal growth and leadership skills of GLBTQQ youth and their allies. – Mission Statement

We also have a new shirt, which is available as either a T-shirt or a sleeveless tee. This shirt is a fundraiser for the TransActive Gender Center. This group is located in Northeast Portland and offers training, advocacy, and support for gender diverse and transgender children and their families.

TransActive Gender Center provides a holistic range of services and expertise to empower transgender and gender diverse children, youth and their families in living healthy lives, free of discrimination. – Mission Statement

I am proud of the impact we are having. I hope you are too.

Both the scarf and shirts will be available for purchase at the Fanladen today and will be on our online store tomorrow. Please support us and these organizations having a positive impact on the youth in our community.