Darcelle Spectacular Remarks

June 25, 2026 

Happy Pride Month and thank you for having me and the First Lady here to celebrate with you! 

It’s so exciting to be here in community, celebrating the opening of Darcelle XV Plaza. This space honors a Portland icon and will be a place for LGBTQ+ joy, visibility, and connection right in the heart of our city. 

Gathering together in places like this plaza matters more than ever. As our values are under attack from Washington, D.C., I want you to know that I am not backing down from the fight to protect our rights! Oregon will not be bullied into abandoning our values and we are not staying quiet. Our LGBTQ+ communities are Oregon communities, and I will always protect our safety, dignity, and right to thrive. 

But today isn't all about standing firm – it's about celebrating! Portland is on the rise, and this plaza is proof. It's vibrant, it's joyful, and it represents exactly the kind of welcoming, creative city Portland has always been. 

So, let's celebrate Darcelle's legacy. Happy Pride, Portland!