Dear Fabulous Marc,

I am an unfortunate individual trapped in the awkward age range of the 18-20 crowds. Most people just don't realize just how awkward it is for us to want and crave to have a social life away from college when there is literally nothing to do and nowhere for us to go. Where are all the gay hangout spots for the 20 year olds like myself who want to hang with other LGBTQ people without being forced to hang out with 16 year olds? Why can't certain LGBTQ clubs host an 18+ night so that we can go out, too? It's absolutely frustrating to spend summer after summer with no evening social life as a LGBTQ person, having to wait until the dreadful year that I turn 21. Seriously, if I can smoke, vote, pay taxes, pay student loans for college, and have consensual sex and be married, how come I can't have an active nightlife as well? Are there any LGBTQ nightclubs that would be willing to host a night like this for us desperate awkwardly aged people who really crave to meet other LGTBQ people our age? I mean, the only way I'll be entering a gay nightclub this year is when I leave this country-what a shame.

Signature:
20 years old and Depressed

Dear 20 years old and depressed

Aww to be 18 again and realize that their are just as many challenges being LGTBQ at that age as their are at any age.  I hear this from many of my clients, both under 20 and over 20.  There are just not allot of other options other than the bars to get together with other LGTBQ.  Now I am not badmouthing the bars, they have always been part of our history and supportive in being a place where we can feel safe and meet others.  And I think just about any one in Portland can speak of how the gay bars in town are almost like “Cheer’s” where every one knows your name, and the bartenders are the best in the country. But what about other options to belong?  Just like in the strait world we want more choices of places to socialize.

So “20 yrs old and Depressed”, you started by coming to the right place Fabulous PDX  is the place to find any thing gay to do in Portland and around.  I also would suggest the Outreach section in Just Out, under the section Social.  Now even though I suggested these resources, I will admit that there is not much available for the under 21 crowd.  So I did a Google search and found the following: The Escape 333 Sw Park Ave, Portland OR., is an under 21 club in Portland and are open on Friday and Saturday nights. Many of my readers say the music is very good and have a good time there.  SMYRC  http://www.smyrc.org is the best place to find things to do for the 21 and under group. They are doing the “Gayest Day of the Year Ride” on June 19 @ 12:00 looks like it is going to be a great time.  The Q Center has a great calendar and includes events for the under 21 crowds:  http://www.pdxqcenter.org/q-centers-calendar/public-calendar/ that list what’s going on there and around the community.  Stuff like “Karaoke Superstar”, the “4^th annual T*Party, Glee Night, and Just out, Gay Skate.” Since you mentioned being old enough for consensual sex. “Steam Portland” has a freshman class party the 4^th Thursday of the month from 7p.m. to 12a.m. for 18 to 23 year olds, http://www.steamportland.com/pop_up_red_freshman.htm just remember to play it safe.

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