The Marie Equi Center Story
A STORY OF RADICAL, QUEER RESISTANCE & WHOLE-PERSON CARE
How Our Journey Began
Established in 2016, Equi was born out of Dr. Angela Carter’s vision of an integrated service system by and for marginalized queer and trans folks. Over the years, Equi has grown from a grassroots LGBTQIA2S+ health clinic to a community health advocacy organization making waves statewide.
Following the legacy of our namesake Dr. Marie Equi, The Marie Equi Center centers our voice as a bold, radical, and unapologetically queer advocate for the communities we serve.
Our Continuing Journey
In 2020, we shifted our focus from direct medical care to advocacy & community health. This shift culminated in October 2024, when we opened Portland's first and only Supportive Services Day Center for homeless LGBTQIA2S+ people.
Before we had funding or a building, we had each other. We were delivering meals, securing tents, sitting with neighbors during crises, and redistributing resources. That grassroots spirit is reflected in our priorities and practices today.
Equi Today
Our SE Portland Center provides low-barrier supports that strengthen community belonging and housing stability through peer support, basic needs assistance, and community-building activities.
Statewide, Equi strengthens Oregon’s queer ecosystem through leadership development, coalition building, and community-based research. Equi resources and connects community organizers in 97% of Oregon’s counties who in turn implement programs that promote dignity, belonging, and agency for LGBTQIA2S+ Oregonians. Our Meyer Memorial Trust Building Capacity, Building Power cohort carves out space for rural and tribal QTBIPOC leaders to strategize, share resources, hone leadership skills, and build power together.
