As progressive as Oregon may seem, this state is not isolated from the inherent transphobia and homophobia that continues to grow within the nation. In 2025, the ACLU tracked that there were eight anti-LGBTQ bills in Oregon — fitting the national trends of rising anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. 

Especially with the attacks on transgender healthcare and the demeaning rhetoric used against the LGBTQ+ community from the federal government, it’s important now, more than ever, to create safe spaces to celebrate queerness. The Eugene community came together for this mission, and on Feb. 10, they opened the Lavender Network. 

The Lavender Network is a “one-stop shop” for services provided by Queer Eugene, Eugene PRIDE, TransPonder, HIV Alliance and the Authentic Movement Project. Some of the services they plan to provide include HIV/STI testing, behavioral health services, affirming medical care and dance classes.

Executive Director of HIV Alliance Renee Yandel noted that the space was intended to represent a collaboration among various nonprofits and healthcare providers, all with the sole focus of supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

“More so now than other times, it feels like we need a space like this,” Yandel said. “Nationwide, people are feeling like their access to healthcare is being attacked – and to have a space like this, that is intended for the community, is needed to make the community welcoming for all.” 

Yandel elaborated on the work it took to establish the Lavender Network as a physical space. It was a long process involving many partner nonprofits, and they finally created a low-cost space for organizations to collaborate and engage with the community. 

“Some of the things that we heard from LGBTQ+ folks that come to the HIV Alliance for care is that they want a place where they feel recognized, valued and celebrated as a community,” Yandel said. 

The Lavender Network was previously located at Trinity United Methodist Church in Eugene, which was not accessible to many community members. One of the main accessibility issues was the lack of public transportation routes connecting to the space. One of the main reasons for the new space in downtown Eugene was its location; it makes essential services more accessible to the public, especially since it is accessible by public transportation.

“We’ve heard from folks about approaching healthcare providers about (HIV healthcare) and them getting really negative responses, or getting misinformation or providers who are uncomfortable with it,” Yandel said. “It’s really important for people to feel like they have providers who understand their unique health needs, and that’s something this site can provide.”

The opening drew many community members, local advocates and elected leaders. They were able to honor Helen Shepard, a primary donor to the initiative, and all the organizations that contribute to the space. 

“It’s such a powerful expression of community and care,” Mayor Kaarin Knudson said in an interview with The Emerald. “I think that the Lavender Network moving onto Willamette Street says a lot about the future of accessible services and the heart of our LGBTQ+community meeting.”