NEW: Q Center Facing Audit After Board Dissolves

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Saturday, December 20, 2014

Annie Law, GoLocalPDX Reporter

An audit of Portland's Q Center is pending following the dissolution of its board of directors and the resignation of the organization's executive director. 

In a statement issued Friday, Q Center spokeswoman  -- and interim board member -- LeAnn Locher said the center is working to rebuild public trust following the departure of multiple board members, and the agreed resignation of the remainder of the board. 

Locher said the center is committed to undergoing a thorough audit. "I have full confidence much will be uncovered," she said. 

The center provides seven-day-a-week  drop-in space, support services and programming for Portland's LGBTQ community. 

Basic Rights Oregon, the state's largest advocacy group fighting for LGBTQ rights, is dipping into its reserve funds to assist the Center through what Locher called a "tumultuous" time. 

A $30,000 gift from Basic Rights Oregon will help pay for employee payroll and benefits. Another $20,000 from Basic Rights will fund ongoing operations at the Q Center while the interim board determines its next move. 

According to IRS 990 filings, for three consecutive years, the center outspent its revenue. 

The interim board, consisting of former, current, and new members, is to be supported by an advisory committee. That committee includes Basic Rights board members, former Q Center leaders, community stakeholders and former Mayor Sam Adams. 

The role of Basic Rights 

When the Q Center opened its doors in 2006, it filled a void in Portland's LGBTQ landscape, as a safe place to gather, host events and provide advocacy and resources. 

Former Q Center volunteer of two years Miguel Cobian told GoLocalPDX last week an apparent lack of transparency regarding finances led to his resignation. 

Last Week, basic Rights Oregon Executive Director Jeana Frazzini said the organization became involved with Q Center amid the departure of staff and board members. 

Basic Rights Oregon spokeswoman Diane Goodwin said the organization is stepping back, rather than intervening and taking the Q Center under its wing.

"The request has been made over and over to us, and the answer is 'that question is not on the table,'" said Goodwin. "BRO is willing to help with the community conversation." 

The interim board, advisory committee and gifts come out of the "community conversation" between the two groups, that followed Executive Director Barbara McCullough's resignation. 

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