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The LGBT community and immigrant rights

Basic Rights Oregon has recently been connecting the dots on immigrant rights and the struggles of the LGBT community. Many in the gay and transgendered community know what it feels like to be scapegoated and blamed for the problems of society. Being treated like a second class citizen is nothing new to our community or the immigrant community.

In the spirit of “strength in numbers” Basic Rights Oregon has built a coalition of partners spanning youth, trans activists, elected officials and immigrant rights organizations. We have had the opportunity recently to walk the talk with our involvement in two anti-immigrant measures in Columbia county.

Immigration is a national issue, but everyone everywhere must be educated on the realities and lies that are told to us by anti-immigrant and racist officials. For example, many are not aware of the inhumane circumstances that immigrants detained in the US are faced with. Most are under the impression that the situation in Guantanamo is isolated to Cuba. The conditions there, however, are similar to the ones immigrants all across the country are in. In fact, Oregon has our very own immigrant detention center in The Dalles. A website called HomelandGitmo.com outlines the situation we, as a community, need to be aware of.

As an organization fighting for the basic rights of all Oregonians, we realize the importance and value in all of our communities.

Kyndall Mason
-Public Education Coordinator