WINTER PRIDEFEST LGBTQ+ SKI WEEKEND AND FESTIVITIES RETURN TO OREGON’S MT. BACHELOR, MARCH 3-6

The fourth annual Winter PrideFest, OUT Central Oregon’s annual celebration of winter sports among the LGBTQ+ community, marginalized individuals in the community, and their allies, is returning to one of the country’s top destinations for outdoor recreation. Featuring four days of on- and off-mountain sports and social activities, Winter PrideFest will take place March 3-6, 2022, at Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Ore.

“Winter PrideFest was conceived as a way to bring the LGBTQ+ community together over a shared passion for outdoor recreation and winter sports, and to do so in a way that is inclusive, social, educational, and above all, fun,” said Jamie Nesbitt, president of OUT Central Oregon. “What started as a local grassroots effort in year one has quickly evolved into an event with national cache, and we think there’s no better venue to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in the outdoors than Mt. Bachelor and Bend.”

At Mt. Bachelor, Winter PrideFest will feature organized groups for Alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. New for 2022 is Bonfire on the Snow with Wanderlust Tours, a snowy nighttime snowshoe trek to an ice-carved amphitheater complete with a bonfire and warm cocktails. In town, attendees can take part in a Welcome Snocial at various businesses in the Box Factory, WIGS night-time ice skating at Seventh Mountain Resort, a panel discussion on Inclusivity in the Outdoors (co-sponsored by OSU-Cascades DEI Lab), a downtown Après Ski Party at Crater Lake Spirits and other locations, and the signature Winter PrideFest Dance Party at 10 Barrel East. More events to come!

“We have seen attendance at Winter PrideFest increase exponentially from 150 attendees in year one, to over 700 attendees in year three, and we estimate that more than 1,000 people will take part in this year’s event,” said Nesbitt. “With two-thirds of those attendees coming from outside of Central Oregon, there’s no question that Winter PrideFest has quickly established itself as a marquee winter event for the LGBTQ+ community, our allies, and everyone to rally around.”

To take advantage of the special 2022 Winter PrideFest lodging discount at Campfire Hotel, valid for stays between March 1 and March 8, use Code: PRIDE22. Most Winter PrideFest events are free to attend, though space is limited for certain events and activities, and advance registration is encouraged. For more information or to register for Winter PrideFest, visit www.outcentraloregon.com/winter-pridefest/ or the Winter PrideFest Facebook Event page.

Oregon’s Hood River has Something to Arouse all Types of Lovers this February

Shot by: Pickles Photography

When it comes to matters of the heart, Hood River has plenty of room for all kinds of lovers, including partners or couples in love with each other, individuals prioritizing self-care and self-love, and even those looking to pursue their love of the outdoors. In legends as old as time told by the native Klickitat people, affairs of the heart are the foundation from which the surrounding peaks of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and neighboring Mt. Saint Helens were formed. Whether it’s nature, romance, or self-love, Hood River’s endless well of possibilities is sure to satisfy any desire this February and beyond.

“From snow-capped mountains to the mighty Columbia River and everything in between, visitors can not escape Hood River’s beauty,” said Katie Kadlub, executive director of Visit Hood River. “While love abounds in Hood River year-round, February and March offer unique options for anyone seeking a mid-winter escape. Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day weekend, or mid-week workcations are all within reach.”

Cloaked in snowy splendor, nearby Mt. Hood shows off for nature lovers far and wide. Just 20 minutes from Hood River, the rustic Cooper Spur Mountain Resort offers midweek guests discounted lift tickets to Mt. Hood Meadows and complimentary snowshoe rentals for use on Nordic trails accessed right from the resort. At the end of a snow-packed day, the resort’s Crooked Tree Tavern & Grill provides libations and a full menu. Hood River’s many lodging partners offer an array of Stay and Ski options as well. While exploring Mt. Hood National Forest, winter adventures will find options for two planks, snowshoes, sno-machines, and sleds alike.

Atmosphere is everything in downtown Hood River. The glow of twinkle-lit trees accompanies romantics as they stroll Oak Street to discover cozy nooks and delicious crannies. The quaint-yet-hip downtown core is lined with tasting rooms, artisan jewelry boutiques, and acclaimed culinary delights. Downtown’s Hood River Hotel offers the option to stay two nights and receive a third night free, and partners with local businesses to offer exclusive guest-only deals. Just a short scenic stroll from downtown, the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn offers sweeping riverside views and their popular Winter Fun Package. When paired with the outdoor heated pool and hot tub, those looking for a romance-inducing escape will not be disappointed. 

Those seeking a recess from the grind will find the perfect retreat to catch up on some self-love. Scenic drives, stunning strolls, and Nordic adventures provide an ample amount of time for contemplation, manifesting, and play. Opportunities to move and connect are found at Flow Yoga and Brimstone Boulders. A silks class at Empowered Movement Aerial will not only energize the body but is sure to induce a little joy. And if it's solitude that's calling, be sure to check out Waucoma Bookstore, Skylight Theater, or one of the many art galleries that offer a quiet respite.

Also not to be missed in Hood River this February and March, Columbia Center for the Arts celebrates the exhibit Contemporary Native Voices seeking to honor and acknowledge the original inhabitants of the Columbia River Gorge.

From snow play to a romantic retreat to self-love getaways, whatever the desire, Hood River is adventure-ready with an open heart and open arms. 

For more information on Hood River, or to book a stay at one of Hood River’s lodging options visit https://visithoodriver.com/stay.

Oregon State House votes to support Matthew Shepard Act

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today praised the Oregon State House of Representatives for unanimously passing last night a resolution 59-0 that requested the United States Congress to pass the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA) and condemned a recent brutal beating of two gay men at a Seaside, Oregon beach.

“We applaud the Oregon State House of Representatives for showing leadership on this issue and moving to condemn this senseless act of violence,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “We would also like to thank and congratulate them for taking the official position of urging Congress to pass, and the President to sign, the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act.”

Read more after the jump.


The two men, Samson Deal and Kevin Petterson, were on spring break March 22 at a Seaside, Oregon beach when several men dressed in black approached them from behind and beat them until they fell unconscious. After an initial review of the case, Seaside Police Chief Bob Goss announced that his department would be treating this as a hate crime because the victims indicated that the assailants had yelled anti-gay slurs during the attack.

“Crimes like these have no place in today’s society,” said Cristina Finch, Senior Counsel for the Human Rights Campaign. “The vicious attack on Samson and Kevin underscores the need for the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Unlike Oregon, most states do not have a hate crimes law that includes sexual orientation and gender identity. Passage of the LLEHCPA will help ensure that all hate crimes are fully investigated and prosecuted. No one should live in fear because of who they are.”

Hate crimes continue to spread fear and violence among entire communities of Americans. In 2007, the FBI documented 7,624 hate crime incidents in the United States — almost 21 victims a day. Oregon reported more than 150 bias-motivated incidents in 2007 alone. Combating this bias-motivated violence presents local law enforcement with an immense task. Prosecution of such crimes often proves complex and requires many resources.

The importance of the LLEHCPA is that it provides resources to state and local governments for the investigation and prosecution of bias-motivated, violent crimes. The bill also ensures a federal backstop to assist local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of violent, bias-motivated crime.

For more information on the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, please visit: www.FightHateNow.org