Weekly Update: Trump Targets Portland Public Schools for Trans-Inclusive Policy, Signature-Gathering Volunteers Wanted, and More
Welcome to Basic Rights Oregon’s weekly newsletter, where we update you on the LGBTQ+ 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.
Happy Friday, BRO friends!
It’s been a big week for news impacting LGBTQ+ Oregonians: On Tuesday, the US Department of Education opened an investigation into the Portland Public Schools district because of its inclusionary policies on transgender students playing sports.
It’s not clear how or when that investigation will happen or how it will shake out, especially considering Oregon law requires schools to have inclusive policies. What is clear is that this administration is trying to create a chilling effect so that transgender people and our allies are less visible and outspoken—but we’re simply not going to let that happen, especially with Trans Day of Visibility coming up on Monday!
Here’s more LGBTQ+ news you need to know this week:
Here’s a big win to celebrate: A bill that will ban housing discrimination based on immigration status passed the Oregon Senate this week, and is on track to become law! Basic Rights Oregon testified in support of the bill.
Following the recent regressive changes to passport policies for trans folks, three European countries recently issued travel advisories for their trans residents visiting the US. The UK and Canada have issued similar guidelines.
This June will mark the 10-year anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges, the US Supreme Court case that legalized marriage equality nationwide. But even a decade later, anti-LGBTQ+ extremists still want it overturned. And now that the federal government is assaulting trans rights on multiple fronts, that anti-LGBTQ+ movement feels ready to turn its focus back to marriage.
Let this be a reminder for us: Our communities and movements are stronger when we stick together and stand up for everyone’s rights. If you want to stand up for trans rights, marriage equality, and reproductive freedom in Oregon, be sure to join our Equal Rights for All 2026 ballot measure campaign. We need your help collecting signatures ASAP.
Join our campaign—we have cute signs!
We’ll end our news section with some hopeful new polling from Data for Progress. Predictably, the poll found that the attacks on trans rights have had a significant impact on transgender Americans’ mental health and sense of safety, and that this country is divided on some trans rights issues. But it also found that a majority of Americans believe the federal government needs to be less involved in policing trans healthcare and identities, and allow trans people to make the best decisions for ourselves. It’s easy to feel like the whole world is against us right now, because the bigots have the loudest microphones—but this poll shows that isn’t true.
Here’s what you can do:
Here’s a call to action from OHSU gender-affirming care surgeon Dr. Blair Peters; follow this link to submit your comment!
There are many queer, trans and questioning kids in Oregon right now who don't have a supportive family, or whose family loves them but is unable to care for them at this time. Becoming a resource (foster) parent is one way to support those youth. You can learn more about becoming a resource parent and how to support LGBTQ+ youth at our virtual Fostering Pride event on July 1—no commitment or prior knowledge necessary!
Portland group Witches Don’t wait is hosting a fun, witchy fundraiser for BRO and the The Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) on April 3. Learn more and register here!
Finally: It’s Transgender Day of Visibility on Monday! However you spend the day, remember that transgender folks can’t ever be erased, no matter how much some may try. Here’s one great event happening for those in the Portland area.