Welcome to Basic Rights Oregon’s weekly newsletter, where we update you on the LGBTQ2SIA+ news you should know, things you can do, and ways you can help. If you have questions, reach out here. To receive this newsletter as a weekly email, signup for email updates at the bottom of our Contact Us page. BRO’s work—including this newsletter—is funded entirely by our supporters. Donate here.

Hello friends of Basic Rights Oregon! Thanks for reading our weekly update.

*Seth Johnstone (center above), our interim Director of Policy and Research, showed up alongside community partners and volunteer testifiers at our state capitol in support of House Bill 4088.*

Strong start at the Capitol! In the first week of session, Basic Rights Oregon showed up in force to support legislation that protects bodily autonomy, immigrant rights, worker protections, and housing security. From safeguarding Planned Parenthood access, to closing data-surveillance loopholes, to defending tenant privacy and ensuring fair enforcement of employment laws—this work is about dignity, safety, and justice for all Oregonians. The session runs through March 9, 2026, and there are plenty of chances ahead to take action with us. Stay connected and be part of the movement. 💪🏽💖

Here are the LGBTQ2SIA+ headlines and activities you need to know this week:

Basic Rights Oregon is proud to have testified and be a coalition member of the workgroup that drafted House Bill 4088 last week in the 2026 Legislative Session. The bill passed out of the house judiciary committee and moved onto the house floor for a vote set for early next week! HB 4088 will protect Oregonians by:

Strengthening protections against out-of-state actions threatening providers of reproductive and gender affirming healthcare
Expanding professional protections for providers and strengthening provider’s privacy protections
Protecting patient’s private health data in the state health agency
Increasing privacy for name and gender marker change court filings
A big thank you to those who submitted written testimony for the first hearing in support of the bill. Stay Tuned for our newsletter to hear how you can support the bill as it moves and what else we’ve been supporting in the capitol!

A 51-year-old man remains in custody after prosecutors charged him with a bias crime and several other offenses following an attack on a transgender woman at a Portland MAX station. The incident occurred the night of Feb. 8 at the PSU Urban Center MAX stop. You can read + watch the full story and hear BRO’s response here.
After thoughtful consideration, the Equal Rights for All coalition has decided that Initiative Petition 33 will not proceed to the 2026 ballot. The coalition considered many components, including not just the progress of our campaign but also the national landscape and the multitude of existential battles our communities are facing. But we are not giving up–this decision means we will pursue a different short-term strategy in our ongoing fight for full and equal rights. We have immense gratitude for the community who came together to build this ballot initiative, including Oregonians from every corner of our diverse state who believe in personal autonomy and freedom for all. The coalition will be in touch with supporters to let you know what's next -- this fight is not over.

And here are some ways to take action:

Feeling safe in our bodies and our communities during these challenging times is critical–and a local studio, Femme Rising, has announced a new queer-led, all-gender martial arts and movement class called Playfight. The class is rooted in embodiment, consent and joyful experimentation and focuses on building confidence and real-world self defense skills. Students say the safe, welcoming space has been transformative due to rising threats to queer and trans safety. You can find out more about the class, schedule, and sliding scale fees here.
Slots are filling up quickly for our annual Statewide Action Summit, scheduled for April 10th and 11th in Corvallis, Oregon. The summit will include two days of workshops, networking, inspirational speakers, and a chance to connect with other organizers and LGBTQSIA+ advocates around the state! You can register here for general admission or college student prices. For a free ticket option, reach out to gaby@basicrights.org to apply for a volunteer opportunity! To participate as a workshop presenter, we are also accepting proposals from local leaders, organizations, students, and community members. Registration deadline is March 13, 2026!
Thank you for reading our weekly newsletter, and for your care, support, passion and dedication to LGBTQ2SIA+ rights. We are stronger together.

Love,

The BRO team 🌈