this doesnt bode well (Portland, Eugene: work, home, moving to)

[wesacat]

Ive been reading all the postings on small towns in Oregon before we commit to moving there and one thing is starting to worry me. It appears that Eastern Oregon is highly conservative. We are thinking of buying a small ranch near Hells Canyon Rec. Area and the closest town is Joseph. Im open-minded enough to tolerate just about anyone's views and I would like to live in an area where the people are the same way.
We are a lesbian couple moving from the Deep South primarily because of the persecution we are going through there. We have fallen in love with Oregon and are looking for an area where we can have a small ranch. The property we are now looking at is around 30 acres and seems absolutely perfect. I hope we dont have to reconsider.
Can anyone give me information on the climate towards gays/lesbians in Oregon???

[freedom]

It is mixed. Those that are against the lifestyle aren't militant, but are not silent either.

Those that are indifferent are bothered when it is forced upon them to accept or reject.

Southern Oregon is not convinced it is a normal nor natural lifestyle, other than Ashland.

The state just adopted same sex unions, which I feel was not a good idea for many reasons, but I imagine that being the first on the west coast to do so will bring many interested gays.

Good luck on your dream

freedom.

[Carol, Oregon coast]

There are several gay/lesbian couple I know of here but probably a lot more I don't know. The Oregon coast probably isn't the best place to find a ranch, although Otis and Rose Lodge have small farms. Also the area between Newport and Corvallis. I think people are pretty much open minded here with the exception of the right wing bible thumpers...but they're everywhere. Good luck!

[jjpop]

I'll add my two cents, from what I know and have heard. Anybody who has specific information about the area should chime in...

I believe one of the few pockets of enlightenment toward gays and lesbians in NE Oregon is Joseph. I've never been there, but apparently there's a pretty thriving artist community. I think it's a fair assumption that artists are more open to alternative lifestyles, but I suppose that's not always the case.

However, with the exception of a few places, central and eastern Oregon are hard-core conservative. Take a look at http://legalminds.lp.findlaw.com/lis.../msg02624.html to see a case about a lesbian couple in Christmas Valley, OR (rural central Oregon) who were harassed to the point of leaving town.

Christmas Valley is hundreds of miles from Hells Canyon, but my guess is it's metaphorically next door with regard to attitudes towards gays and lesbians. I don't want to discourage you, wesacat, but you should have your eyes wide open if you're considering this move.

[Rugbyduck]

Towns that are more tolerant are of coarse the larger cities. Portland, Eugene, Ashland, Bend are among the most tolerant. Out toward the Eastern side of the state...not so much. I believe that if you're not an "in your face" type, you'll be accepted just fine. If you are looking to change the world, better try the city. Regardless, you'll be more acceptable to the general public than if you were from California! Good luck and I hope all works out for you. Good people will find good people along the way. I'm sure they'll love ya!

[dachmom]

I agree with rugbyduck,as long as you are not "in their face" with it you will probably be O.K. Eastern Oregon is definitely more conservative, but they are also friendly people. Being that it is an artist community some people might be more understanding than others. Is it possible to visit Joseph before you move to get a feel for the community?

[ninakix]

Moving to any place calls "Hells Canyon" sounds a bit ominous no matter what your orientation

[wesacat]

Thank you all for your responses. I guess you would call us "middle of the road" lesbians. We don't hide the fact that we are a couple; we hold hands, sit next to each other, etc. but we don't go around pushing gay/lesbian issues into people's faces. I honestly don't think that ever does any good no matter what the topic. We fight all our battles at the voting booth.
Yes, we will be visiting Joseph, as well as other parts of Oregon, before we make a final decision. We drive through it nearly every week anyway as we are truck drivers and our route takes us through on our way to Washington and back.
As far as living next to Hells canyon..omgosh...have you ever seen it?? It is mind boggling. I can't wait to have it right at my back door!!

[roz5555]

I agree with the 'do your homework WELL' sentiment. I was stunned with the attitudes toward anything non-WASP in central Oregon. The place yet to experience the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, etc.

There are lots of gorgeous spots in this country that do not have 'issues', y'know?

[CantWait2Bthere]

roz55555...what does WASP stand for?