New Friends in The Dalles Building LGBTQ+ Community with “Rainbow Roots”

From The CCCNews Team

The Dalles, Ore. — When Haley arrived in The Dalles last June, they weren’t sure what to expect. Coming from a small town in Oklahoma where being openly bisexual came with punishment and isolation, they knew what it felt like to be erased. But here, in the Columbia Gorge, they found something different—a sense of belonging they had never known before.

Still, something was missing.

Determined to create a space for queer, gay, and trans folks to connect, Haley launched a Facebook group, The Dalles Rainbow Roots. Within 24 hours, more than 80 people had joined—proof that there was a real hunger for community.

“We’re here. We need to be seen. We need to be heard,” Haley said, recalling the flood of messages from people eager for a place to gather, to share stories, and to simply exist together without fear.

Rainbow Roots isn’t just an online space. The group holds a monthly coffee meetup at The Riv Cafe, a casual and welcoming spot where LGBTQ+ people and allies can come together. Plans are already in motion for other gatherings—crafting nights, bar meetups, and more opportunities to strengthen the bonds of this growing network.

For many, the creation of this group is an act of both defiance and love. Some members have voiced concerns about safety, a reality for LGBTQ+ people everywhere, but Haley and others remain steadfast: “We refuse to be erased.”

Haley has also joined the local Pride committee, further cementing their commitment to ensuring that queer voices in The Dalles are not only present but celebrated.

“Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere,” Haley says, borrowing the words of Dr. King. “And if we want to feel safe, to feel like we belong, we have to create that space for each other.”

For now, that space begins with a cup of coffee, a shared story, and the simple reassurance that no one here is alone.

To join The Dalles Rainbow Roots, visit their Facebook page.