OUT Central Oregon
About Us

About Us

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote inclusivity, visibility, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people by enabling and fostering community engagement.

OUT Central Oregon educates the LGBTQ+ community and the public by providing public discussions, lectures, documentary screenings, social gatherings, and outdoor activities.

Advocacy

We serve as a hub for information of interest to the local LGBTQ+ community.  We bring community together in an inclusive and visible manner by promoting social, educational, and cultural engagement.

Education

We support educational and cultural programs and discussions that advance the knowledge and well-being of a diverse population within Central Oregon.

Partnerships

Our partnerships with businesses, government agencies, and other organizations expands our ability to build and encourage community involvement and participation.

Our Board

Brayan Gonzalez

Acting President

he/him

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Brayan spent the better part of his childhood in Central Oregon, splitting time between Bend and Madras. He studied education and teaching English to speakers of other languages, earning his degree from George Fox University. Brayan returned to Central Oregon in 2019 where he combined his passion for working with youth and English language learners in both the middle school and elementary school settings. He currently works for Bend-La Pine Schools in the Dual Immersion Language Program while also serving on the leadership team of the Leading for Equity and Anti-Racism and Dialogue (LEAD) cohort. In his free time, Brayan enjoys spending time in nature with friends and loved ones, including his 12-year old fur baby Charlie.

AJ Hinojosa

Secretary

he/him

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AJ is currently an IT administrator for UC Santa Barbara’s College of Letters and Science where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in LGBTQ studies. As a recent addition to the board, he is eager to use his technical skills to support operations and execution of the many efforts OUT Central Oregon strives to make in the community.

Weston Kleinert

Treasurer

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Weston is committed to further developing OUT Central Oregon into a mature and sustainable organization with the purpose of serving the LGBTQ+ community. In his role as Treasurer, his focus is on ensuring the Organization’s funds are raised and managed in a responsible manner.

Professionally, Weston works as a project manager for a renewable energy engineering firm in Sisters, Oregon. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University and a Master’s of Science in Engineering Management from George Washington University.

Lauren Rose

Board Member, Community Engagement

she/her

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A native Oregonian, Lauren grew up in a small town in rural Eastern Oregon. Moving to Bend full time in 2004 for school, she is an early OSU-C alumna with a career in business development in the Energy Management industry. After finishing a Master’s in business in 2021, she spent a year travelling the country to experience other cities, communities, and perspectives. She is honored and excited to support OUT Central Oregon’s mission in promoting inclusivity, visibility, and advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ people by creating opportunities for community engagement.  In her free time, she enjoys fly fishing, SUP on the high lakes, softball, listening to live music, Type 2 Fun, and spending time with friends and family.

Stefanie Siebold

Board Member, DEI

she/her

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Stefanie (Stef) Siebold grew up in Kansas and moved to Oregon in 2001. She currently lives in Sisters with her wife and three dogs. She has 30 years in the fields of education and workforce development leading and designing workforce programs by working with youth, adults and businesses. She is the co-founder of PIQue Coaching and Strategy Group whose focus is helping leaders transform their teams and work cultures through talent optimization and diversity, equity and inclusion.

As a workforce development professional and educator for 30 years, her focus has been on supporting and advancing individuals who identify as low income, low literacy, individuals experiencing disabilities, youth, indigenous tribal communities, immigrants, refugees, migrant seasonal farm workers, second language learners, justice involved individuals, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Stef is passionate about creating community and safe spaces where individuals, however they identify, are represented, supported, and feel like they belong. She is excited to serve on the OUT Central Oregon board and to lead our LGBTQIA2S+ community and our allies.

board@outcentraloregon.com

Fostering Community Engagement

OUT Central Oregon is committed to developing and supporting inclusive social gatherings, cultural events, and activities that bring well-being to our community.

Get Involved

Join us across Central Oregon to connect, share, and build community with your fellow LGBTQ+ friends, groups, and organizations.