Father Tom Oddo

A sepia‑toned archival photograph of a priest in clerical clothing standing at a podium labeled “The University of Portland,” speaking into a microphone during a formal event.

July 2, 2026

Go Beyond the Archives with Tyler Bieber

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Tyler Bieber goes beyond the archives to share Father Tom Oddo’s story, revealing insights that printed records alone can’t capture.

June 26, 2026

Help Convince Kickstarter We’re Cool

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Follow our Kickstarter pre‑launch page to strengthen our case for a Projects We Love badge.

Black and white photo of four people stand together at a public event, including two clergy members in clerical collars. One holds a large sign featuring a heart with intertwined male and female gender symbols. A crowd appears in the background.

June 25, 2026

Tom Oddo and the Origins of DignityUSA

Tyler Bieber Against the Current, Author's Post, Biography, Nonfiction, Tyler Bieber 1970s activism, American Catholicism, Brian McNaught, Catholic Activism, Catholic Church and LGBTQ, church history, civil rights movements, DignityUSA, faith and identity, Father Tom Oddo, gay rights, LGBTQ+ Catholic history, LGBTQ+ religion, Pax Nidorf, pre-AIDS LGBTQ organizing, progressive Catholicism, queer spirituality, Vatican II legacy

Discover how DignityUSA began in a San Diego parish and grew into the oldest LGBTQ+ Catholic rights group in the U.S.

Father Tom Oddo sitting on the campus lawn with students, 1983. Source: University of Portland Archive.

June 25, 2026

Defining the “New American Catholic”

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Explore how Vatican II reshaped American Catholicism, inspired social justice movements, and shaped Father Tom Oddo’s identity as a New American Catholic.

Vintage photo of Father Tom Oddo standing with another man, both smiling, with an orange text block marking the 50th anniversary of his 1974 San Diego visit.

June 18, 2026

50 Years Ago, Today | Gallery

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Fifty years ago, Father Tom Oddo flew to San Diego to help lead one of the earliest LGBTQ+ Catholic workshops. These newly shared photos capture the warmth, courage, and community that shaped Dignity’s early years.

June 8, 2026

Father Tom Oddo and Pride | Gallery

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For Pride Month, Tyler Bieber spotlights how Father Tom Oddo championed LGBTQ+ dignity and justice throughout his ministry.