NEWS RELEASE: Q Center and BOLI Announce Strategic Partnership

[Estabrook Bob]

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Commissioner Brad Avakian
Bureau of Labor & Industries


Press Release
For Immediate Distribution
September 27, 2012
CONTACT:    BOLI - Bob Estabrook, 503-709-0730
                        Q Center - Logan Lynn, 503-234-7837

Q Center and BOLI Announce Strategic Advocacy Partnership
Community outreach partnership to highlight housing rights for LGBTQ Oregonians

PORTLAND- Oregon's Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) and the Q Center of Portland have announced a strategic partnership.  This year-long community engagement and advocacy project will be rolled out over the next 12 months, beginning in October.  It will involve public service announcements, community forums, web-based messaging and education, amongst other communication methods.

The goals of the partnership are both to educate the LGBTQ community and help BOLI's responsiveness with regard to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) housing discrimination in the State of Oregon.  The companion goal is to inform the LGBTQ community of rights and recourse if they face housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

"Q Center applauds Commissioner Brad Avakian's leadership in establishing this project and we are proud to be part of making life better for LGBTQ people living in Oregon," said Q Center Executive Director Barbara McCullough-Jones.

Under contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, BOLI enforces federal fair housing law and "substantially equivalent" state fair housing law, protecting access to housing free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, familial status and disability.  State law also protects sexual orientation and gender identity, source of income and marital status.  Visit www.oregon.gov/BOLI<http://www.oregon.gov/BOLI> for more information about all of BOLI's work.

Q Center provides a safe space to support and celebrate LGBTQ diversity, visibility and community building. Q Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization which offers multi-generational programs and services in four core areas: Arts & Culture; Education & Training; Health & Wellness and Advocacy.  Please visit www.pdxQcenter.org<http://www.pdxqcenter.org/> for more information.


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The mission of the Bureau of Labor and Industries is to protect employment rights, advance employment opportunities, and protect access to housing and public accommodations free from discrimination.

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