Hey guys
Im going to Portland, Oregon this weekend and next week to do some "investigating"- Im wanting to move there to have a safer place to transition. I live in the dirty dirty south (US) and I am not interested in being a trans martyr which could happen if I continue to live where I live while I transition . Anyway, I have researched things I want to do and see while Im there but I was wondering if anyone knows of anything that I MUST check out while Im there. Or if anyone has/does live there and wants to tell me what day to day life is like there, any laws, etc etc that I would want to know about to help me decide if I would want to relocate to there that would be appreciated as well.
Thank s in advance

I live in Vancouver, WA, which is part of the Portland metropolitan area.  but unfortunately, I don't really do much in Portland, besides the mall, lol. So sorry, I can't help XD

Welcome to A) the West Coast, B) Trans-friendly C) and a great place to live.  As to where to live, Gresham/ Troutdale is nice ( on the east side ).  We do get windy at times.  Yes I live in the area.  Clackamas is nice.  Can be too country for my taste.  Downtown is really nice.  A lot of the gay community lives downtown.  Washington County is nice, but can be a little spendy.

Stay out of southwest Portland.  It is called "Felony Flats" for a reason. 

We have a good therapist here and a Trans Doctor.  But you would have to see if they are taking on new patients.

I love Portland.  Pride week, several clubs ( downtown ).  Lot of shopping downtown too.  Out here in East County, as we are called, is nice.  Quiet.  Not much gang activity.  Thank the Gods.

A couple of us live in and around Portland.  It seems that Portland is to the Trans community, as San Fran is to the gay community.

Oh and remember to "Keep Portland Weird !". 

Quote from: Janet Lynn on June 01, 2011, 10:15:56 PM
Welcome to A) the West Coast, B) Trans-friendly C) and a great place to live.  As to where to live, Gresham/ Troutdale is nice ( on the east side ).  We do get windy at times.  Yes I live in the area.  Clackamas is nice.  Can be too country for my taste.  Downtown is really nice.  A lot of the gay community lives downtown.  Washington County is nice, but can be a little spendy.

Stay out of southwest Portland.  It is called "Felony Flats" for a reason. 

We have a good therapist here and a Trans Doctor.  But you would have to see if they are taking on new patients.

I love Portland.  Pride week, several clubs ( downtown ).  Lot of shopping downtown too.  Out here in East County, as we are called, is nice.  Quiet.  Not much gang activity.  Thank the Gods.

A couple of us live in and around Portland.  It seems that Portland is to the Trans community, as San Fran is to the gay community.

Oh and remember to "Keep Portland Weird !". 

Wow thanks so much Janet Lynn. Lots of good info. Really excited Ill start looking up those places now

I love Portland! I don't live there (live south of there) but I've visited a lot.

Janet Lynn is Portland crime really that bad? I've been all over that town and I guess being from Los Angeles has just jaded me lol. I always thought of Portland as this quaint town.

Anyway, as far as I can tell Portland is pretty mellow and trans friendly.

we have our share I guess, but not bad.  Lloyd Center is gang territory for the most part, but downtown, Beaverton-Hillsboro and out here in the East county we are quiet.  I Even take the MAX ( mass transit rail system ) and never have a problem.  Rarely do we have any crime against Transpeople, if ever.

Like I said I love Portland.

Oh I forgot about the MAX lightrial system.   I LOVE the MAX.  Most convenient form of Public transportation I've ever been on. 

If you haven't been here lately.  It goes all over the place,  Check out Trimet Max.

Great!
Actually there is quite frequent violence against trans people where Im living now. Even in the LGBTQ area of town violence is not unheard of. Its NEVER on the news though. The local news would get so many complaints if they reported on that they wouldn't know what to do. Being as little as I am- 5'2 106 lbs.  Im expecting an awkward period where I dont pass well (despite my manly beard in my avatar  ) and I don't want to be afraid all the time. Im kind of nervous all the time anyway living as a lesbian down here.

Y'alls (told you Im from the south) replies have put me at ease.

I don't know much about that area, but I'm thinking of moving up there later this year.  Let me know what you think of it 

In fact Lee, Ill just post a thread telling about my trip and what I learned so everyone can be informed. Be sure and look for it the end of next week.

Quote from: Alasdair on June 02, 2011, 12:08:36 AMIn fact Lee, Ill just post a thread telling about my trip and what I learned so everyone can be informed. Be sure and look for it the end of next week.

Yes, please share your experience with us when done.

I myself have been thinking about moving there too so all this info is helpful. I live in the South too, but not the deep or dirty South. I haven't had too many problems where I live yet, however our resources here are very few compared to other big cities. I'm also getting tired of living in the South period. I need a change of scenery and attitude.