Tyler TerMeer ’05
“One of the things I have learned over time is that you only have control over so much. Every decision you make in life should come from your authentic self,” said Tyler TerMeer ’05, CEO of the Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) in Portland, OR.
Growing up, TerMeer struggled to understand his racial identity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. His journey to becoming his most authentic self began at Otterbein University.
As a theatre design and technology major, TerMeer once dreamed of becoming a production stage manager. During his senior year his life took a new direction when, at the age of 21, he was diagnosed with HIV.
This diagnosis would not stop his ambitions, but it did shift his focus — it was important to continue to live life as a strong and inspiring openly gay man of color and a powerful voice in advocating HIV policy.
“When I learned of my HIV diagnosis, I did not know what my future would be. The people around me taught me that I was going to live and empowered me to be the best version of myself,” TerMeer said.
Soon after graduating, a unique opportunity came along to start a small retail clothing business, which he ran for six years before taking his career in a new direction. After receiving support and services from a local HIV organization, he decided to put his efforts into helping “those living with HIV have the best chance at living and thriving with their disease.”
Over the next several years, he worked for HIV-focused non-profits in Ohio, Arizona, Washington, D.C., and finally Portland, OR, where he leads CAP.
“I saw this amazingly progressive, well-respected non-profit that had so much potential. I had seen an amazing transformation beginning to happen in Portland and I wanted to be a part of it,” said TerMeer.
CAP provides compassionate and inclusive health and wellness services to the LGBTQ+ community, those affected by HIV, and others. Recently, CAP opened the PRISM Health clinic.
“This new healthcare experience was designed for and by queer people to be a resource that is life-affirming and life-changing for LGBTQ+ people,” said TerMeer.
In recognition of his many contributions to the community and those around him, TerMeer was recently named the 2021 Executive of the Year by the Portland Business Journal.
“Life throws curveballs both good and bad,” said TerMeer. “It’s up to us to be open to a new unexpected journey.”