Mission & Values
Our Mission
We work collaboratively to create connection and provide advocacy, education, research, cultural events, and responsive programs and services that ensure LGBTQ+ people, families, and communities thrive.
Our Vision
We envision LGBTQ+ people, families, and communities living authentically in an inclusive, equitable, and compassionate world.
Our Core Values
OBC’s board and staff have identified 5 sets of core values that anchor, guide, and prioritize how and what we do to achieve our mission. These values are also the touchstones for the relationships we build and nurture with one another and our community members. Within each set of linked values, we consistently ask the following questions to deeply integrate the principles into all our activities, relationships, and strategic decisions:
Equity & Social Justice
Is everything we do ultimately in the service of building a better world where all LGBTQ+ people are treated respectfully and justly throughout their entire lives so that they can not only live but thrive? How are we working to recognize and dismantle systems of oppression that hinder this better world? Are we aligning our efforts across operations, programming, education, research, and advocacy to be the most effective catalyst for intersectional social change?
Collaboration & Solidarity
How are we forming and sustaining interdependent, mission-aligned partnerships to increase the breadth and depth of our joint work’s impact? Do those individuals and organizations with whom we collaborate know unquestionably that OBC stands supportively with them as one, that their fight is our fight too?
Responsiveness & Accountability
What are the current needs and aspirations of the diverse individuals and communities we serve, and how are we moving quickly and creatively to leverage our resources effectively to meet them? How are we holding ourselves to the highest standards of ethics and transparency, and how fully do we take ownership of times we fall short of our own or others’ expectations?
Compassion & Trust
Are we open-hearted, honest, courageous, and kind in our individual and collective relationships? Rooted in relationship, are we congruent in words and action and honoring our commitments? How are we putting empathy into action by listening deeply to, advocating tirelessly for, and walking arm-in-arm with all our LGBTQ+ community members on the path to the future we are creating together?
Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
What more can we do to create spaces for our communities to celebrate and hold the full, beautiful spectrum of LGBTQ+, and especially trans and QTPOC, identities and intersectionalities? What perspectives and experiences are missing and how can we invite these in? How are we centering underrepresented, misrepresented, and softer voices so all feel welcomed, heard, valued, and home at OBC?