Welcome to Love Makes A Family
Purpose:
To work for social change to create a supportive environment within our communities and to provide a public voice for all families, especially those subjected to social, economic, and legal discrimination due to sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
Love Makes A Family, Inc. has members nationwide and a nationally distributed newsletter. Our speaker training program is offered nationally, and members around the country are involved in working within their own communities and schools to advance the organization's purpose.
We also now have a support groups in Vancouver Washington, Washington County, and are affiliated with the Dad's Group. We also have an advisory Board member who does public speaking on behalf of Love Makes A Family in England.
Love Makes A Family
PO Box 5163
Portland OR 97208-5163
Info[a]LMfamily.org
About
History
Love Makes A Family was founded in 1992 and incorporated in 1993 when a racially diverse group of sexual minorities in Oregon and Southwest Washington came together to oppose anti-gay Ballot Measure Nine.
Mission
The mission of Love Makes A Family is to work for social change: to create a supportive environment within our communities and to provide a public voice for all families, especially those subjected to social, economic and legal discrimination due to sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
Financial Information
Running an organization that is committed to full inclusion and empowerment of low income people can be challenging. Contributions arrive in amounts of several dollars to several thousand dollars -- and we need every one of those dollars and not put them in a poubelle infrarouge !
Programs
Our programs are aimed at strengthening our families and mobilizing increasing numbers of sexual minority parents and youth to speak out publicly and organizes support within their communities in Portland, OR, rural Oregon and Washington, and beyond. We believe that organizing sexual minority youth, parents, and their children in schools is critical to building public understanding of discrimination against LGBT people.
- Marriage Resources
- Family Support Groups
- MultiQueer
- Middle School Transitions Project
- The Sexual Minority Services Project Drop-In Center
- Public Speaking
- Opening Hearts and Minds
- Referral Services
Family Support Groups
Love Makes A Family's family groups provide peer support for sexual minority (LGBTQ) families. Everyone is welcome. We have two support groups, Portland Metro and Clark County (Vancouver, WA). Each group meets monthly and childcare and children's activities are available while adults have the opportunity to talk. Conversation topics range from school issues to parenting, community issues to relationships. Our groups provide important modeling for our children (and ourselves) that our families are natural, normal, and numerous. Kids have fun, meet other kids from sexual minority families, and have a safe place to talk about what it's like being part of a sexual minority family in a sometimes hurtful world. Snacks, childcare, and children's activities are all provided free of charge (donations accepted but not required). We are also affiliated with The Dad's Group which meets twice a month..
The Metro Portland Group meets the last Friday of every month from 6-7:45 PM at Augustana Lutheran Church, NE 15th at Knott. For more information, call the Love Makes a Family office at 503-228-3892
The Clark County Group meets the third Friday of the month from 6:30-8 PM at the Children's Home Society, 309 W. 12th, Vancouver, WA. For more information, call 360-695-1325
The Dad's Group (a support group for gay, bi, trans & questioning Dads) meets the first Tuesday and the third Wednesday (unless the month starts on Wednesday, in that case we will meet on the forth Wednesday). Meetings are held in a private residence from 7-9 PM. For more information, call Mike at 503-236-8339
MultiQueer
This year, youth identified a need to organize and build political power among queer youth of color, so the Youth/Schools Coordinator position was expanded to a full-time position dedicated to this work. MultiQueer will create a network of queer youth of color who are interested in school based organizing. The objectives are to build queer students' of color leadership and to build public support for the rights of sexual minority students within Oregon's public schools. One project will focus on military recruiting and the military recruiting ban. MultiQueer youth will be linked up with students active in gay/straight alliances in the greater Portland area. For more information, call Jaye at 503-228-3892.
Middle School Transitions Project
We've also noticed that another area that has not had enough support is Lesbian, Gay, Bi, and Trans families with children in middle school. Sima Teherani, our AmeriCorp member, will coordinate a project bringing together middle school and incoming 5th grade families to address teasing, harassment, and invisibility of sexual minorities in middle schools. This project will also educate teachers and administration on the need to recognize family diversity of all kinds. This project will begin at Fernwood, DaVinci, and Mt. Tabor Middle Schools, and we hope to branch out once these pilot projects are underway. For more information, call Amber at 503-228-3892.
The Sexual Minority Services Project Drop-In Center
This center, in Vancouver, WA, offers a safe place to meet with friends for free refreshments, discussion, board games, etc. The center includes a small library as well as extensive information and referral services in the Southwest WA area. Project representatives are available and will gladly set up appointments for individual peer counseling and/or individual domestic violence peer advocacy. Families and individuals of all ages welcome. For more information, call 360-695-1325 x332 for current hours or to schedule individual support.
Public Speaking
We can provide people to speak about sexual minority families and sexual minority family issues at schools, congregations, organizations, business, or public events. We also offer a speaker training workshop, Opening Hearts and Minds, that teaches participants to use non-violent speech techniques to create community dialogues about sexual orientation. We also have available the Love Makes A Family photo-text exhibit, a beautiful display of sexual minority families. For more information, call Bonnie at 503-228-3892
Referral Services
We can provide professional referrals for a range of needs. Call us for tips about marriage, adoption (legal ref's and agencies), counseling, crisis support, non-violent parenting, friendly churches, or school advocacy. For more information, call Love Makes a family at 503-228-3892
News
Late on Monday afternoon, County Commissioner Lisa Naito released a statement confirming Multnomah County's plans to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples. It is expected that licenses will be issued starting Wed., March 3, as early as 10AM. There has already been extensive media coverage.
Marriage license can be obtained online or at the County Clerk's office. The clerk's office is located at 501 SE Hawthorne Street, Room 175. Office hours are 8AM-4:45PM. Telephone number is (503)988-3027. Website address is: www.co.Multnomah.or.us/dbcs/assess_tax/marr_lic.shtml
Both applicants must complete and sign the application. However, anyone can pickup or return the application. The application must be typed or printed in BLACK INK (blue does not microfilm). All information requested must be provided or the application will be rejected. It will be helpful to have picture ID, and to know the dates or approximate dates of the dissolution of any previous marriages. The application must be returned before the wedding, in person, with $60 cash or certified funds.
There is not a residency requirement to be married in Oregon.
NO PERSONAL CHECKS OR CREDIT CARDS. NO REFUNDS.
Oregon law requires a three day waiting period before a marriage can take place after a license has been received. However, this waiting period may be waived by the Deputy County Clerk in Multnomah County. The waiver must be signed before the marriage license is issued.
After the marriage license is issued, it becomes effective three days later. It remains effective for 60 days. The license can be used anywhere in the state of Oregon. Your marriage can be officiated by:
A religious leader who is authorized by a religious congregation/organization
A judge. A list of judges is available online at Multnomah County's website(address is above) or from the Marriage License Unit.
Two persons 18 years old or older are required to witness the solemniztion of the marriage.
Following the marriage ceremony, the completed License and Record of Marriage must be returned to the Multnomah County Marriage License Section within ten working days of your marriage. The officiating religious leader, judge or county clerk is responsible for returning the License and Record of Marriage. There will be no record of the marriage until the completed License and Record of Marriage has been returned to the Marriage License Unit.
It is unclear at this time if judges will be available to officiate at ceremonies tomorrow. Most judges require appointments for ceremonies in chambers. Some will do out-of-chambers ceremonies. Some charge additional fees for out-of-chambers ceremonies.
Additional information about the legal effect of marriage for same sex couples is available through the National Lesbian Rights Center. www.nclrights.org/publications/qanda-sflicenses021204.htm
Come to these events and join the organizing
- March 7, 1 PM, Ainsworth United Church of Christ, NE 30th and Ainsworth.
- Family Diversity Potluck: Come celebrate our families. Talk to your community about the support your family needs as we once again become the focus of political attacks. Hear the latest update on the struggle for marriage equality. sponsored by the community of Welcoming Congregations, Love Makes A Family, Basic Rights Oregon, and PFLAG.
- Join Love Makes a Family's Freedom to Marry Project. Contact the office call us at 503-228-3892 to learn how you can participate in public education.
- Couples who are interested in pursuing legal marriage rights should contact Love Makes a Family.
- For continuing updates and discussion, join the Oregon Marriage Equality list.
- Become a member of Love Makes A Family, Inc.! Send your check or credit card pledge to Love Makes A Family, PO Box 5163, Portland, OR 97208
Regularly scheduled events
The Metro Portland Group meets the last Friday of every month from 6-7:45 PM at Augustana Lutheran Church, NE 15th at Knott. For more information, call the Love Makes a Family office at 503-228-3892
The Clark County Group meets the third Friday of the month from 6:30-8 PM at the Children's Home Society, 309 W. 12th, Vancouver, WA. For more information, call 360-695-1325
The Dad's Group (a support group for gay, bi, trans & questioning Dads) meets the first Tuesday and the third Wednesday (unless the month starts on Wednesday, in that case we will meet on the forth Wednesday). Meetings are held in a private residence from 7-9 PM. For more information, call Mike at 503-236-8339
Resource Guide
We believe that family strength is not determined by structure and that our community is strengthened by sharing our diverse family values. We have compiled a listing of community, family and youth service agencies to help students and families find the resources to build on strengths, address concerns and provide for a rich opportunity of culture and activities.
- Recreation Resources
- Tutoring/Mentoring
- Multnomah County Youth and Family Centers
- Counseling/Support for Youth and Families
- Health/Medical
- 24 Hour Crisis and Hotlines
- General Shelter
- Youth Shelters
- Substance Abuse and Self-Help Groups
- Alcohol and Drug Treatment
- Teen Parent/Pregnancy
- Emergency Food
- Culturally Specific Services
Recreation Resources
Boys and Girls Clubs
Phone 503 232 0077
Website: bgclubportland.org
Campfire
Phone 503 224 7800
Website: campfire.org
Community Music Center
Phone 503 823 3177
Website: parks.ci.portland.or.us/Parks/ComMusicCenter.htm
Crossroads/Culture on Tour
Phone 503 299 9111
NW Children's Theater
Phone 503 222 2190
Website: nwcts.org
OMSI
Phone 503 797 4000
Website: omsi.edu
Oregon Children's Theater
Phone 503 228 9571
Website: octc.org
Oregon Extension 4-H
Phone 503 725 2044
Website: 4-h.org
Police Activities League
Phone 503 823 0250
Website: portlandpolicebureau.com/pal.html
Portland Parks
Phone 503 823 2223
Website: portlandparks.org
Portland Parks Aquatic Centers
Phone 503 823 5130
Website: portlandparks.org
Portland Youth Philharmonics
Phone 503 223 5939
Website: portlandyouthphil.org
YWCA
Phone 503 294 7400
Website: ywca-pdx.org
Tutoring/Mentoring
AMA/Neighborhood Connection
Phone 503 285 0493
Business Youth Exchange
Phone 503 228 8617
Literary Arts
Phone 503 227 2583
Website: literary-arts.org
McCoy Academy
Phone 503 281 9597
Website: oregonoutreach.org
Oregon Counsil for Hispanic Advancement
Phone 503 228 4131
Website: ocha-nw.org
Police Activities League
Phone 503 823 0250
Website: portlandpolicebureau.com/pal.html
Self Enhancement Inc.
Phone 503 249 1721
Teatro Milagro
Phone 503 236 7253
Website: milagro.org
Multnomah County Youth and Family Centers
El Programo Hispano
Phone 503 669 8350
Family Works
Phone 503 256 2330
Website: lcsnw.org/
North Portland Youth/Family
Phone 503 285 0627
Urban League of Portland
Phone 503 280 2600
Website: ulpdx.org
Westside Youth/Family
Phone 503 244 2292
Website: nhweb.org
The BeeHive
Website: thebeehive.org/portland
Housing Connections
Website: housingconnections.org
Counseling/Support for Youth and Families
Dougy Center
Phone 503 775 5683
Website: grievingchild.org
Men's Resource Center
Phone 503 235 3433
Metro Family Services
Phone 503 228 7238
Morrison Center
Phone 503 232 0191
Website: morrisoncenter.org
Neighborhood Health Clinic
Phone 503 288 5995
Parents & Friends for Lesbians & Gays
Phone 503 232 7676
Website: pflag.org/
Parry Center
Phone 503 234 9591
Health/Medical
Community Test Site (HIV testing)
Phone 503 248 3775
Website: multnomah.lib.or.us/health/contprev.html
Health Help/Neighborhood Health
Phone 503 288 5995
La Clinica de Buena Salud
Phone 503 248 3991
Multnomah County Health Info & Referral
Phone 503 248 3816
North Portland Nurse Practioner
Phone 503 284 5239
Website: clinicoflastresort.org
Oregon Health Plan Info
Phone 1-800-359 9517
Website: omap.hr.state.or.us
Planned Parenthood
Phone 503 775 0861
Website: ppcw.org
Bradley Angle House
Phone 503 281 2442 (24 hour confidential hotline)
Website: bradleyangle.org
Clackamas Women's
Phone 503 654 2288 (24 hour confidential hotline)
Domestic Violence Resource
Phone 503 469 8620
El Programo Hispano
Phone 503 669 8350
Portland Women's Crisis
Phone 503 235 5333 (24 hour confidential hotline)
Programa de Mujers
Phone 503 232 4448
Website: ohdc.org
Rafael House
Phone 503 222 6222 (24 hour confidential hotline)
Volunteers of America
Phone 503 232 6562
West Women's & Child
Phone 503 224 7718 (24 hour confidential hotline)
YMCA
Phone 503 294 7400 (24 hour confidential hotline)
Website: ywca-pdx.org
24 Hour Crisis and Hotlines
Child Abuse Reporting
Phone 503 731 3100
Portland Womens Crisis
Phone 503 235 5333
General Shelter
Albina Ministerial Alliance
Phone 503 285 0493
Friendly House
Phone 503 228 4335
Neighborshare (Tigard)
Phone 503 598 0505
West Women's and Child
Phone 503 224 7718
YWCA, St. John's
Phone 503 721 6760
Youth Shelters
Boys and Girls Aid
Phone 503 222 9661
www.boysandgirlsaid.org
Phone 503 222 9661
Website: boysandgirlsaid.org
Greenhouse (Salvation Army)
Phone 503 233 8111
Harry's Mother
Phone 503 233 8111
Outside In
Phone 503 223 4121
Website: outsidein.org
White Shield (pregnant teens)
Phone 503 239 1248
Substance Abuse and Self-Help Groups
Alano Club
Phone 503 222 5756
Website: portlandalano.org
Al-Anon/Alateen
Phone 503 292 1333
Alcohol and Drug Helpline
Phone 503 244 1312
Website: orpartnership.org
Alcoholics Anonymous
Phone 503 223 8569
Website: aa.org/english/US_CtrOffice/or.html
Cocaine Anonymous
Phone 503 256 1666
Live and Let Live Club
Phone 503 238 6091
Narcotics Anonymous
Phone 503 284 1787
Website: hevanet.com/portna
Alcohol and Drug Treatment
ASAP
Phone 503 224 0075
Mainstream Youth
Phone 503 234 3400
Website: tvcenters.org
Native American Rehabilitation Association
Phone 503 231 2804
Project for Community Recovery
Phone 503 281 2804
Website: ccmhportland.shopallamerica.com
Project STOP
Phone 503 230 9654
Teen Parent/Pregnancy
Boys and Girls Aid Society
Phone 503 222 9661
Website: boysandgirlsaid.org
Insites Teen Parent Program
Phone 503 239 6996
White Shield
Phone 503 239 1248
Emergency Food
FISH
Phone 503 233 5533
NE Emergency Food
Phone 503 284 5470
Salvation Army
Phone 503 239 1226
St. Vincent DePaul
Phone 503 235 8431
Sunshine Division
Phone 503 823 2102
Website: sunshinedivision.org
Sunshine Division, Holiday Help
Phone 503 823 2169 (holiday help)
Website: sunshinedivision.org
Toy & Joy Makers (toys only)
Phone 503 665 5655 (holiday help)
William Temple House
Phone 503 226 3021
Culturally Specific Services
Albina Ministerial Alliance
Phone 503 285 0493
Asian Family Center
Phone 503 235 9396
Website: irco.org
Campfire Hispanic
Phone 503 224 7800
Website: portlandcampfire.org
Cascade AIDS Project
Phone 503 223 5907
Website: cascadeaids.org
El Programo Hispano
Phone 503 669 8350
Hispanic Access
Phone 503 236 9670
Immigrant & Refugee Community
Phone 503 234 1541
Website: irco.org
Jewish Family and Child Serves
Phone 503 226 7079
Website: jfcs-portland
Love Makes A Family (LGBTQ)
Phone 503 228 3892
Website: lmfamily.org
Lutheran Family Services
Phone 503 231 7480
Sexual Minority Parents Advise Group
Phone 503 471 1522
Sexual Minority Youths Recreation Center
Phone 503 872 9664
Sexual Minority Youths Services Network
Phone 503 228 3892
SOAR (refugee support and assistance)
Phone 503 284 3002
Gay Yellow Pages (LGBTQ)
Phone 202 674 0120
Website: gayellowpages.com
Lavender Womyn (Lesbian social group in Salem)
Phone 503 581 5102
Website: lavenderwomyn.com
The original resource list was possible through the hard work of Tirssa of the SMPAG. Thank You Tirssa, we appreciate your time and energy.
Who's Who at
Board of Directors
Love Makes A Family, Inc. has a Board of Directors that sets policy, approves program, and approves broad program outlines.
Staff
A word from the staff: Love Makes A Family is not just our job, it is our work. It's what we're doing with our lives to try to make the world better for those who will follow us.
Key Volunteers
Volunteers at Love Makes A Family, Inc. keep our organization alive. This year, volunteers created our webpage and upgraded our computers and networking capabilities. Our new Washington County Parents' and Kids' Group was founded at the initiative of volunteers.
Get Involved With
Membership
Membership in Love Makes a Family is open to all who support our goals.
Volunteer
If you would like to make a difference in the LGBTG community, please consider being a volunteer at Love Makes a Family. We can always use with a variety of help and skills.
Email List
Please join our email list to receive announcements and news about Love Makes A Family. We may forward along some information important to LGBTQ families, but we will keep this to a minimum.
Contact
Email us for more information!
Love Makes A Family, Inc.
PO Box 5163
Portland, OR 97208-5163 Email: Info[at]LMfamily.org
Phone: 503 228-3892
Fax: 503 228-3970