Treasures of Queer Salem

Today Craig shares the ups and downs of federal employment in our turbulent era for LGBTQ+ rights and attitudes. Craig is an avid traveler and currently lives in Oregon with his husband, Edison, and their two fur-babies: Mochi and Uni. Craig has successfully managed several multimillion-dollar portfolios that drive operational and policy changes that align with equity-driven goals.

Today we're chatting with Georgia (She/they/Georgia) a trans Advocate. They tell us about their journey from a victim of trafficking to provider and administrator of programs for LGBTQ+ youth, adults and women.

Capital Pride is the big umbrella for the Queer community here in Salem. It organizes the two big pride events we have, Pride in the Park and City Pride, as well as dozens of smaller gatherings. Today we chat with Mathew (he/him) the President of Capital Pride. He was Treasurer at the time of this recording. https://salemcapitalpride.org/

"Bisexuals give cat energy and Pansexuals give dog energy." Today we chatted with Maria (she/her) who's running for Marion County Commissioner on the behalf of queer and working families and her spouse Finley (they/them). Together they are powerful team and a force for progressive good.https://www.maria4oregon.com/https://www.instagram.com/maria4oregon/

Today we chat with Shade, Salem Pride's Marketing head and moderator. 

Today we talk to the amazing Sara Duncan (She/they/Ella) who's running for Marion County Commissioner! They share their journey and drive to make the county a better place for us all. During the episode we mention these resources:PIRC (Portland Immigrant Rights Collision) 1-888-622-1510 ECO (Equity Corps Of Oregon) 1-888-274-7292

We're chatting with Jennifer, (She/her) the president of Salem's Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) chapter. She talks about their mission to educate and love. 

Today we chat with Victoria!  She's an artist who loves to make zines, write poetry, tell stories and doodle. She is a member and organizer of the Cherry City Zine Collective. 

We chat with Emery, the non binary organizer of the Outer Realms Fantasy Faire and the Dragon Wolf Collective. 

We talk to Silver (He/him), a program assistant with rainbow youth who is helping lead the out and safe campaign as well as the SYCE grant. Born and raised in Salem. He is into fiber craft, gaming and animation.

We're talking to Zach(he/they), the outgoing president of Salem Pride. He talks about how he got involved and helped it become the thriving organization we know today! Listen and find out how you can get involved. 

Today we talk to Jason (he/they) who was a founder and one of the first members of Rainbow Youth! Jason shares his experience growing up as an out and proud youth in Salem in the 90s. He discusses how Rainbow Youth has grown over the years and the story of his renewed involvement to become the chair of its board during the pandemic. 

We interview Becka(she/they) owner of Becka Makes Buttons and the founder of Radness Ensues, a nonprofit community center in Kiezer. Yet they're not done! They are assembling a BABC, Bad Ass Bitch Club which will host a femme empowerment retreat in May 2026. 

Tricarico(they/them) is one of the founders of the Mid-Willamette Queer Collective, a social meetup group and discord server for Queer adults. They share their journey of finding an identity they feel comfortable in and the importance of being able to set boundaries with loved ones. 

Today we chat with Snarfy, who is a pillar of Salem's Queer community. They are a genderqueer hairstylist in Salem, Oregon. They've lived in Salem since 2007 and their queer hair salon, Court Appearance Styling Studio, is vital place of affirming treatment and community in downtown Salem.

Today we are interviewing Claire(she/they), the coordinator of Rainbow Youth. They share with us some amazing stories about the founding of Keizer Pride, coming out as a queer parent as well as highlighting the amazing work Rainbow Youth is doing for the queer community of the Salem area. (Please forgive the low sound quality, the next episodes are much better!)

Enjoy this preview of the Treasures of Queer Salem Podcast!