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News Release

The Forgotten Catholic Trailblazer: Author Talk With Tyler Bieber At Clark County Historical Museum (Photo) - 10/22/25

New book uncovers the life and legacy of Father Tom Oddo, the groundbreaking priest who
championed LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Church


Vancouver, WA - The Clark County Historical Museum will host author Tyler Bieber for a
special presentation of his new book Against the Current: Father Tom Oddo and the New
American Catholic on Friday, November 14, 2025. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with the talk
beginning at 6 p.m. at the museum, located at 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660.
Admission is free, though pre-registration is recommended through the museum website,
cchmuseum.org.


Father Thomas Oddo (1944 - 1989), widely known as “Father Tom,” was a pioneering figure
in LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Catholic Church. In the years following the Stonewall
uprising and the Second Vatican Council, Father Tom forged new spaces for those seeking to
reconcile faith and identity. At just 29, he co-founded DignityUSA, becoming a key advocate
for civil rights within the Church. By 38, he was appointed President of the University of
Portland, where he was recognized as a rising star in higher education.


Though his life was tragically cut short at the age of 45, Father Tom’s influence continues to
shape conversations on faith, inclusion, and identity. Bieber’s Against the Current draws on
extensive interviews, personal archives, and previously unseen documents to tell the untold
story of Father Tom’s legacy. The book explores his encounters with celebrities, politicians,
and Pope John Paul II, while also delving into themes of hope, resilience, and the ongoing
struggle for equality.


This program will offer attendees an engaging look at a remarkable but often overlooked
leader whose story remains deeply relevant today.


About the Author

 

Tyler Bieber is a queer higher education professional based in Portland, Oregon. He has
served in leadership roles at Clark College, National University of Natural Medicine,
Linfield University School of Nursing, and Oregon School of Massage. He is currently the
Assistant Registrar at Willamette University’s Pacific Northwest College of Art. Bieber holds
a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences from The Evergreen State College and an M.A. in Higher
Education and Student Affairs from the University of Portland.

Attached Media Files: Against The Current - Image Asset.png,

The Forgotten Catholic Trailblazer: Author Talk With Tyler Bieber At Clark County Historical Museum (Photo) - 10/22/25

New book uncovers the life and legacy of Father Tom Oddo, the groundbreaking priest who
championed LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Church


Vancouver, WA - The Clark County Historical Museum will host author Tyler Bieber for a
special presentation of his new book Against the Current: Father Tom Oddo and the New
American Catholic on Friday, November 14, 2025. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with the talk
beginning at 6 p.m. at the museum, located at 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660.
Admission is free, though pre-registration is recommended through the museum website,
cchmuseum.org.


Father Thomas Oddo (1944 - 1989), widely known as “Father Tom,” was a pioneering figure
in LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Catholic Church. In the years following the Stonewall
uprising and the Second Vatican Council, Father Tom forged new spaces for those seeking to
reconcile faith and identity. At just 29, he co-founded DignityUSA, becoming a key advocate
for civil rights within the Church. By 38, he was appointed President of the University of
Portland, where he was recognized as a rising star in higher education.


Though his life was tragically cut short at the age of 45, Father Tom’s influence continues to
shape conversations on faith, inclusion, and identity. Bieber’s Against the Current draws on
extensive interviews, personal archives, and previously unseen documents to tell the untold
story of Father Tom’s legacy. The book explores his encounters with celebrities, politicians,
and Pope John Paul II, while also delving into themes of hope, resilience, and the ongoing
struggle for equality.


This program will offer attendees an engaging look at a remarkable but often overlooked
leader whose story remains deeply relevant today.


About the Author

 

Tyler Bieber is a queer higher education professional based in Portland, Oregon. He has
served in leadership roles at Clark College, National University of Natural Medicine,
Linfield University School of Nursing, and Oregon School of Massage. He is currently the
Assistant Registrar at Willamette University’s Pacific Northwest College of Art. Bieber holds
a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences from The Evergreen State College and an M.A. in Higher
Education and Student Affairs from the University of Portland.

Attached Media Files: Against The Current - Image Asset.png,