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 is looking for new members!
Learn more here.
Our Board
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 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 is committed to further developing OCO 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 is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Engineering Management from George Washington University.
Tyler is a high school social studies and Crew teacher at Bend-LaPine Schools. A fourth generation Oregonian, he grew up visiting Central Oregon and relocated to Bend in 2020. As an avid skier, paddle boarder, hiker and cyclist, Tyler is deeply committed to OCO’s mission to promote equity and inclusivity for youth and adults in the outdoors. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Regional Development from University of Arizona and a Master’s in Education from Portland State University.
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.