On a hot June day, TransPonder Programs Director Ben Lilley walks through the multiple offices the organization shares with other nonprofits at a former church in River Road. He enters a room towards the back of the building with racks and shelves full of clothes. This is the clothing closet managed by the Lavender Network, one of the other nonprofits in the building.

It was not a day for masks. It was a day to be one’s authentic self without fear of being judged, rejected or discriminated against.

Lavender Network, Eugene’s LGBTQ community center, opened the day before the 2024 presidential election.

This is the first event the Whiteaker Tattoo Collective has thrown since relocating to its new location in the heart of Whiteaker from its previous River Road location. The event will help raise awareness and generate funds to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Eugene through the Lavender Network and organizations like Queer Eugene, Transponder, HIV Alliance, Eugene Pride and The Authentic Movement Project.

For many members of marginalized communities, including those who are LGBTQIA+, the last few months, and especially the last few weeks, have felt like a nightmarish fever dream — bizarre, surreal and terrifying.

Eugene’s Queer Resource Center is changing its name and moving into a new building, with plans to expand its services and begin hosting more community events.