nd Pride a
This Pacific Northwest city’s LGBTQ+ community shines well beyond Pride Month, writes Domhnall O’Donoghue
hush descends as velvet curtains rise. Staff tiptoe through a crowd of hen parties, tour groups and regulars, serving trays of
potent cocktails. Earlier, my driver insisted that a visit to Portland was incomplete without experiencing a drag revue at Darcelle XV Showplace – and she was right. Performers appear out of nowhere sporting sequined gowns, feather boas and sky-scraping wigs. Uproarious applause eventually gives way to an iconic Sister Sledge anthem, which encapsulates the city’s collective impulse to embrace every resident, no matter who they are. We Are Family becomes my new soundtrack for the city. According to the venue’s new owner, Jeremy Corvus-Peck,
Darcelle’s is a safe space that reflects Portland’s inclusive and diverse culture. When he purchased the business from the late, eponymous owner, he was inundated with offers from Portlanders to restore the building to its former glory and shake off the residue of the pandemic and all the challenges it brought. “So much has improved for gay people since Darcelle’s opened in 1967,” Jeremy says, adding that the building has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights. “But it’s not always easy being queer in America today, primarily because of what’s happening at federal level.” In Hopscotch, a thrilling immersive art experience,
I notice statements such as ‘No hate in my state’ and ‘Pride lives here’ emblazoned across glass panels. Heather Anderson, director of international tourism
administration for Travel Portland, believes this northwestern city is a sanctuary for those seeking a reprieve from the political climate elsewhere in the country. “Here, Pride doesn’t occur once a year but every day,” she says. “We champion everyone, regardless of sexuality, gender or ethnicity.”
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD Those venturing to the city will be richly rewarded, both culturally and otherwise. Thanks to the abundance of fresh produce available on Portland’s doorstep – from the Pacific Ocean to Oregon’s mountainous landscape – the city’s food scene is thriving. Whether you’re enjoying hot dogs while watching basketball in the Moda Center sports stadium or visiting the weekly farmers’ market in downtown’s South Park Blocks, you won’t go hungry here. Unsurprisingly, James Beard – the late chef, whose name is given to one of America’s most prestigious culinary awards – was a local. Standout drinks and dining venues include the Diva Drag Brunch at Swan Dive and the Sports Bra, the only bar exclusively dedicated to women’s sports. Helping me appreciate all that’s on offer, I set off on a walking
tour with Portland by Mouth, led by owner Sherri Brown, followed by a cycling tour with Sarah Gilbert of Around Portland Tours. ²
travelweekly.co.uk 5 JUNE 2025
DESTINATIONS PORTLAND | LGBTQ+ TRAVEL
47
PICTURE: Travel Portland/Diego G Diaz
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
