Dear Community, 

OUT Central Oregon’s volunteer board of directors is aware of and acknowledges recent disagreements among former board members. We do not support or condone words, behavior, or accusations that do not further our mission to promote inclusivity, visibility, and advocacy for Central Oregon’s LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Nor do we take such behaviors lightly.

While we are disappointed that an understanding could not be reached among those former members for the sake of the critical mission OUT Central Oregon fulfills in the community, we will continue to move forward in our mission with new leadership in place.

In light of recent events, Jamie and Richard have resigned from their respective roles at OUT Central Oregon, effective immediately, and we will have new leadership going forward. The remaining board members are focused on expanding accessibility and inclusivity in this region, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. We will never waiver on that goal.

We ask that the current board and its new members be allowed room to continue to partner with the Central Oregon community — including businesses, community members, and the region’s youth — as we work to rebuild any erosion in trust while continuing to pursue our organization’s broader goals. That has been our focus since we all joined this board.

We thank all our former board members for their past service to OUT Central Oregon, most notably for their efforts in making Winter PrideFest the Northwest’s premier annual celebration of inclusivity among the LGBTQ+ community, historically marginalized individuals, and their allies. We wish them the best as we look forward to a new era for OUT Central Oregon.