A statement to our community

Since the opening of The Lavender Network (TLN) on Maxwell in North Eugene, there has continued to be social media advertisements related to the transportation access at the site.  Everyone involved with TLN is aware of the challenges and working to ensure access.  Collectively, we want to share the following:

• We acknowledge bus service to The Lavender Network (TLN) is limited. This is true of many parts of our city and county, and is a particular issue for the Maxwell location. We have advocated with LTD for additional route, and they have added an additional stop on route 55 with a stop directly across from the center.  We will continue to advocate for increased service.

• A Community Council of local queer, trans and BIPOC individuals was assembled to provide feedback and help guide this project.

• A Leadership Council composed of leaders from each of five nonprofits in The Lavender Network has been meeting since July 2023 with oversight responsibilities for the project.

• The Councils represent the diversity of the LGBTQ/Ally community, including those with disabilities, people who use the bus as their primary form of transportation, elders, individuals who access services, and others.

• The Councils made the best decision they could for TLN’s location with the resources, options and information they had at the time, including two surveys of the local LGBTQIA2S+ community. 

In addition to considering bus service, we also had to be mindful of the following factors:

• Staff ability to transport clients for the services offered

• Limited number of options for the center’s location due to budget constraints

• Accessibility issues such as entrance/exits, indoor spaces without stairwells, restrooms and more

• Office space and private space availability

• Parking, as the overwhelming majority of participants arrive by personal vehicle

• Community Space availability at the site

• No location we evaluated could meet every need, unfortunately

We have also worked with staff on site to identify other transportation assistance. One of those resources includes RideSource, a service of LTD.  They offer origin-to-destination transportation for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use fixed-route buses. For more information or to request an eligibility assessment, you can contact RideSource at 541-682-5566.

We ask that the community consider:

• The best location for accurate information about TLN is:  www.lavendernetwork.org or TLN Manager Laura Henry: lhenry@allianceor.org 

• Attending a Community Council meeting to share ideas to improve transportation

• Reaching out to Lane Transit District (LTD) if you would like to see bus access to the center increased by filling out this form: https://www.ltd.org/question-comment-form/ 

• Contacting the agencies hosting events if you require transportation for a specific event at The Lavender Network, (TransPonder, HIV Alliance, Eugene Pride, Queer Eugene, etc.).

• Critically evaluate the source of information from third parties; especially when seeing paid advertisements from groups or pages with no identifying information or associated organization.

In the spirit of solidarity, mutual aid, and community care, we encourage you to join our efforts to create a more equitable world that is supportive of queer, trans, and gender diverse humans of all abilities. Given the challenges we face as a community, both locally and nationally, we want to encourage folks to contribute to positive solutions that are supportive and build up our efforts - join a board, attend meetings, advocate with policy-makers, volunteer, donate, support mutual aid efforts and share accurate information.

We appreciate constructive criticism, input and ideas; however, while tearing each other down is easy, it is counter-productive and causes harm to individuals and communities who are already under attack.  Doing the hard work of community building, though sometimes difficult, is often rewarding and always essential, especially now. Please join us!

You can reach out to Laura for accurate information about transportation to the center, engaging with the Community Council, or how to get involved at TLN. We hope to see you at The Lavender Network!

In Solidarity,

The Lavender Network Coalition Partners

Eugene Pride, TransPonder, HIV Alliance, Queer Eugene, Authentic Movement Project