Gay-friendly areas/neighborhoods of Portland (fit in, sales, apartment)
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Hi,
I'm considering the move to Portland from the midwest, particularly the Kansas City, MO metro area. I've done a lot of research on the city, and it seems to be exactly what I'm looking for...progressive minded, great public transit, recreation options, and the weather looks awesome. I, being a gay man, also have been reading that Portland is especially gay-friendly compared to other metros. So, here's my question: are there any areas where you all would recommend that I relocate to which are especially gay-friendly? Without getting too detailed, I would ideally like a neighborhood close to a MAX line, and with amenities like grocery stores, specialty shops, etc. close by. Price range aside, do you all have any ideas? Thanks!!!
The Pearl district is the first thing that comes to mind. It's in upscale neighborhood downtown with trendy condos, chic lofts, and high end retailers. I'd also recommend Nob Hill aka NW 23rd area and Goose Hollow. All of those neighborhoods are close to major MAX or Streetcar lines and are within walking distance of downtown and shopping. The fact that you're gay won't really matter in Portland. Portland is a very liberal city.
The Pearl district is the first thing that comes to mind. It's in upscale neighborhood downtown with trendy condos, chic lofts, and high end retailers. I'd also recommend Nob Hill aka NW 23rd area and Goose Hollow. All of those neighborhoods are close to major MAX or Streetcar lines and are within walking distance of downtown and shopping. The fact that you're gay won't really matter in Portland. Portland is a very liberal city.
Thanks for the info, urbanlover85! I actually have friends from the Portland area who live in MO now, and they said the same thing: you could walk into a restaurant, sit down at the bar, and announce to the entire restaurant that you're gay, and no one would even bat an eye. I really like how open the city seems to be to other types of people. That is, you don't have to fit into their stereotypical, suburban individual to fit in. Again, thanks!
Thanks for the info, urbanlover85! I actually have friends from the Portland area who live in MO now, and they said the same thing: you could walk into a restaurant, sit down at the bar, and announce to the entire restaurant that you're gay, and no one would even bat an eye. I really like how open the city seems to be to other types of people. That is, you don't have to fit into their stereotypical, suburban individual to fit in. Again, thanks!
No problem. Btw, I'm gay and grew up in rural northeastern Missouri. Portland is a breath of fresh air. Compared to Missouri, this place is the promise land.
Be aware that for both gays and straights in some settings really overt demonstration of sexual interest is not considered appropriate. It is a question of manners, not orientation.
Basically, no one cares about your private affairs but most people prefer they remain private.
Be aware that for both gays and straights in some settings really overt demonstration of sexual interest is not considered appropriate. It is a question of manners, not orientation.
Basically, no one cares about your private affairs but most people prefer they remain private.
Well, obviously, no one wants to see any couple, gay or straight, full on making out in public. I'm pretty sure thats a cultural norm in all of North America. But holding hands and casual kisses? Definitely fare game in PDX, regardless of sexual orientation. Anyone who's offended by that is...well...old. Hate to say it, but that generation will die out soon enough, thank god.
Browse around this site, and get a feel from within Portland's LGBT community's viewpoint.
(BTW: IMO, this reply and the above replies to your original post in this thread only apply totally and fully to the City of Portland. A few of Portland's suburbs are just like 'burbs everywhere else in North America.)
This site if you want to find (avoid?) LGBT hard-core bars. Guide to Portland Bars - PortlandBarFly.com (look for double male icon symbol on top row)
Albeit, I suspect many would rather avoid such places, and just sip a cool one (or two, three...) near their apartment in a local pub, as the DUI in Oregon is harsh.
Well, obviously, no one wants to see any couple, gay or straight, full on making out in public. I'm pretty sure thats a cultural norm in all of North America. But holding hands and casual kisses? Definitely fare game in PDX, regardless of sexual orientation. Anyone who's offended by that is...well...old. Hate to say it, but that generation will die out soon enough, thank god.
What a cruel and callous comment. And inaccurate. It isn't old people who make the news when gay bashing or bullying is reported. It is usually school mates or contemporaries of the victims. Sadly, prejudice will always exist in all generations. It won't die out with "old people."
Thanks for the info, urbanlover85! I actually have friends from the Portland area who live in MO now, and they said the same thing: you could walk into a restaurant, sit down at the bar, and announce to the entire restaurant that you're gay, and no one would even bat an eye. I really like how open the city seems to be to other types of people. That is, you don't have to fit into their stereotypical, suburban individual to fit in. Again, thanks!
This is totally baloney, but it is a nice sales pitch. Outside of some of the trendy and hip areas in inner NE and SE Portland, you certainly would not want to go into a majority of bars here and announce out loud you are gay or do anything to make it blatantly obvious you are gay. Holding hands and kisses in many bars in PDX (outside the trendy areas) may get you a good beating. Trust me, I have been to bars all over the PDX and I have yet to see two men do anything even remotely sexual in any of them. There are plenty of people who won't tolerate such behavior, just like in Missouri. Please don't take me as a naysayer, but I am just telling you how it is. All cities have their hip and liberal gay sections. You may find that a lot of Portland is more conservative than you think. The good ol boy network is alive and strong in PDX. On another note, these same rules don't apply to women, i.e. lesbians. It seems PDX has a much more open lesbian population than homosexual man population. Th gay men are more discreet here than you think.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Urbanlover85
Well, obviously, no one wants to see any couple, gay or straight, full on making out in public. I'm pretty sure thats a cultural norm in all of North America. But holding hands and casual kisses? Definitely fare game in PDX, regardless of sexual orientation. Anyone who's offended by that is...well...old. Hate to say it, but that generation will die out soon enough, thank god.
As to Urbanlover85.. I think the older generation can teach this newer generation a few things about manners and morals. People making out in the open and who are overtly sexual doesn't help improve a society's integrity, rather it just allows for more sexuality. As far as men holding hands, that is cultural. In Africa, which is a very anti-gay society, it is commonplace for men who are friends to walk down the street holding hands. I am not gay, but in Africa, several men who I befriended would grab me by the hand and we would walk down the street holding hands. Yes, I was rather uneasy by it, but I got use to it and thought it was kinda funny. Considering how very anti-gay they were and the fact nobody even looked twice that me and another guy were holding hands walking down the street, I just felt it was a nice sign of friendship. Also, men in the Middle East, who are also very opposed to homosexuality, do kiss each other as a greeting and sign of friendship. I come from an Eastern back ground myself. I have no problem kissing a man on his cheek or holding a hand as a sign of friendship. This has to do with societal and cultural standards, not homosexuality. Just because someone is offended, doesn't mean they should all die out, because it doesn't correlate with your own social norms.
Last edited by Mr.SmithW; 02-07-2011 at 05:37 AM..
I think there is a big difference between being gay friendly and acceptance of blatant sexuality in public by anyone. I have male friends who are gay, all professionals. They are nice people and a joy to be around. They obviously care for their companions, their orientation is not hidden. There is a time and a place for everything.
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I really like how open the city seems to be to other types of people. That is, you don't have to fit into their stereotypical, suburban individual to fit in. Again, thanks!
