Debbie Caselton

Debbie Caselton identifies as pansexual and has made countless contributions to the Portland LGBTQ+ community. She has been particularly stellar in her work with the City of Portland.

Debbie Casleton Debbie is a founding member of the employee-driven Diverse and Empowered Employees of Portland (DEEP) and has volunteered as Chair since its inception in 2006. Under Mayor Tom Potter and with his encouragement, DEEP was formed, as well as ten different affinity groups, including the LGBTQ & Friends. Debbie continues to serve as leadership for the LGBTQ & Friends Affinity Group.

DEEP is dedicated to enhancing a work environment that is inclusive and supportive of the City of Portland’s diverse workforce. Among other accomplishments, Debbie’s leadership was instrumental in bringing the issue of health care coverage for trans-identified City of Portland employees to the forefront during Mayor Sam Adams’ administration. She worked closely with the Mayor’s office to pass that coverage through the city council, making Portland the second largest city in the United States to do so. She worked with Commissioner Nick Fish and his staff to bring All User Restrooms to City offices and buildings, and continues to help with education and training for City employees.

Debbie has served on the boards of Equity Foundation, the Lesbian Community Project, the Portland Area Business Association (PABA), and SCRAP PDX. She is a founding member of Portland’s Lesbian and Gay Film Festival and served as one of its directors for over ten years. She was the recipient of the 2010 City of Portland Diversity Champion Award. In 2014, she was honored as an “Everyday Hero” by the American Public Works Association and received Pride Northwest’s Spirit of Pride Award.