Five Actions Oregonians Can Take to Resist the Anti-Trans Movement

As a supporter of Basic Rights Oregon, you are probably all-too aware of the assault on LGBTQ2SIA+ rights happening in statehouses across the country right now. The ACLU is tracking 430 anti-trans and anti-queer bills this year—and the vast majority of them specifically target transgender folks’ ability to get the healthcare we need, exist safely in public spaces, or feel affirmed at school.

Fortunately, the seven anti-LGBTQ2SIA+ bills introduced in the Oregon State Legislature do not have a chance of passing this session, thanks to our pro-equality majorities in Salem. In fact, Oregon lawmakers have the chance to instead expand access to gender-affirming care this session.

Here’s more info on how you can support that effort, as well as how you can support trans folks living across the country.

1. Urge your legislators to support Oregon House Bill 2002!

HB 2002 will expand access to both gender-affirming care and abortion in Oregon by improving public and private insurance coverage, protecting medical providers, and breaking down geographical barriers. Oregonians can support HB 2002’s passing by urging your lawmakers to vote in favor of 2002. 

Here’s more info about the bill, and here’s Basic Rights Oregon’s Seth Johnstone testifying at the Oregon State Capitol about why HB 2002 will save lives:

2. Donate to BRO and the Equality Federation.

As the state’s longest-serving LGBTQ2SIA+ advocacy organization, Basic Rights Oregon has a legacy of championing pro-equality legislation. We’ve helped secure victories like marriage equality, making it easier for trans and nonbinary Oregonians to change their legal names and gender markers, banning the gay and trans panic defense in Oregon, and helping create affirming K-12 school policies. This year we’re proud to be supporting House Bill 2002.

To support the present and future of trans rights in Oregon, become a sustaining contributor to Basic Rights Oregon.

And if you want to support the effort to fight back against anti-trans legislation across the United States, consider also donating to the Equality Federation. EqFed is a national LGBTQ2SIA+ advocacy organization that supports state-based member organizations like BRO. By supporting EqFed, you’ll be supporting to fight for trans equality in all 50 states. 

3. Send a supportive message to trans youth in the South.

We know Southern states are homes to vibrant, diverse LGBTQ2SIA+ communities—but unfortunately, the US South is also a hotspot for anti-trans legislation. Trans youth in particular are being targeted with bans on gender-affirming care for minors and laws restricting discussion of LGBTQ2SIA+ topics at schools.

One simple way to show your support is to send a message of affirmation to trans youth in the South through the Campaign for Southern Equality. You can also learn more and donate to the organization here. 

4. Work to support the trans people in your life and community.

If you’re a cis ally, you may still be new to understanding trans issues. We welcome you to this movement! While the amount of anti-trans bills passing right now can be overwhelming, it’s helpful to remember that one of the most effective ways to be an ally is to work for change in your direct community. 

That could be as simple as advocating for a gender-neutral restroom at your workplace, talking to your relatives who may live in states where trans rights are under attack, or showing up at school board meetings where LGBTQ2SIA+ students and teachers are being targeted.

Here’s a helpful list of ways you can support the trans folks in your life. For more opportunities to support trans rights in Oregon, sign up for updates from Basic Rights Oregon.

5. Remember to vote in your local school board races this May!

School board races routinely see some of the lowest voter turnouts—but these positions are crucial to supporting affirming school environments. Over the last decade, school boards have become staging grounds for hardline anti-LGBTQ2SIA+ and anti-BIPOC policies, which can later show up at the state level. Oregon is not immune to this phenomenon. 

Many Oregonians will have the chance to vote in their local school board elections this May. Make sure you’re registered to vote now, and make sure to do your research before filling out your ballot!