Weekly Update: A Legal Win for Trans Passports, Report How Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies Impact You, and More
Happy Friday, BRO Friends! And happy Lesbian Week of Visibility as well! Basic Rights Oregon is proud to have so many strong, incredible lesbians on our staff and boards, among our volunteers, and in our general community.
Here’s the LGBTQ+ news you should know this week:
Last Friday, a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration must issue passports to six trans and nonbinary plaintiffs that reflect their correct gender identities. This narrow ruling only applied to this six people—but this small win is an indicator of good things to come in the larger legal battle over passport gender markers.
The Ducks vs. Beavers rivalry knows no end: Last week, we reported that Corvallis became the state’s first trans sanctuary city. Now, Lane County has taken similar action to affirm its residents’ right to gender-affirming care. Which Oregon town or county will be the next to join in on the trend?
New to Portland, or new to being queer in Portland? Check out this piece about fun and helpful LGBTQ+ resources in the city.
The US Supreme Court heard a case about discriminatory book bans and curriculum censorship this week. Unfortunately, the Court seems poised to rule against inclusivity—but they haven’t issued an official ruling yet.
PrideScape, the official podcast of Pride Northwest, has a new episode out now that dives into the history of Portland’s queer ballroom scene. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by current events, learning more about the history of LGBTQ+ joy and struggle might help you feel grounded!
Here’s what you can do:
Here is your reminder to check your voter registration by April 29 if you want to have a say in who’s on your local school board!
Freedom to Read, the anti-book banning state bill that Basic Rights Oregon is supporting, is getting closer to the finish line! Tell your reps in the Oregon Legislature why you support this legislation by using this easy tool.
Portlanders, check out this fundraising party for the Equal Rights for All Campaign, happening at Holocene next month.
The Oregon Department of Justice now has an online hub with info about how new federal policies impact Oregonians. You can also report ways that you personally have been impacted by the discriminatory executive orders.
That’s all we’ve got for you this week! Enjoy the last weekend in April, and get ready for those May flowers.