Weekly Update: New Year, New Volunteer Opportunities, Early Bird Registration for our Statewide Action Summit, and Help Protect Trans Youth!
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.
Happy Friday and Happy New Year! Welcome to our first newsletter of 2026!
Take advantage of Early Bird Registration for SAS!
Hello January! A new year brings new challenges—and new chances to show up for one another. As we step into 2026, we’re grounding ourselves in community, resistance, and the belief that queer futures are worth fighting for! Together, we’ll keep building spaces rooted in care, courage, and joy. We’re so glad you’re here with us at the start of it all. 🌈✊
Here are the LGBTQ2SIA+ headlines you need to know this week:
First, some good news! Oregon, along with 21 other states, reached an agreement this week to pause enforcement of a federal declaration that attempted to block all access to gender-affirming healthcare for young people. This victory means young trans people in Oregon will continue to have access to medically-necessary, life-saving healthcare until the courts can weigh in on this sweeping action. Basic Rights Oregon is in continuous contact with our state Attorney General’s office and our national partners as we stay committed to fighting against federal politicians’ attempts to make personal medical decisions on behalf of trans people.
The Basic Rights Oregon community is saddened to learn the news of Lincoln County Commissioner Claire Hall's passing this week. Hall was a longtime BRO supporter and collaborator, including as a keynote speaker at our 2019 Statewide Action Summit. The 21-year public servant also made history in 2018 when she came out as transgender while in office. Rest in power, Claire!
Some disappointing news from our neighboring state of Washington. On January 3, 2026, the far-right group Let’s Go Washington announced it had collected enough signatures to place a ballot initiative before Washington voters that would ban transgender high school students from participating in girls’ sports unless they undergo invasive sex verification, including genital exams or blood tests. This initiative would endanger LGBTQ+ youth, and particularly those in unsupportive homes. BRO will continue to follow this story, and we will provide updates as it unfolds.
This week, BRO observed International Day to End Conversion Therapy, along with our partners and allies across the globe. Basic Rights Oregon has always rejected these practices, which are rooted in outdated ideas that LGBTQ+ people need to be cured. Oregon is one of 20 states in the US that currently bans conversion therapy for minors, thanks to a law that BRO helped to pass in 2015.
And here are some ways to take action:
Help Protect Trans Youth! The Trump Administration has recently published two proposed regulations targeting access to medical care for transgender youth. These proposed rules aim to cut Medicaid funding to institutions providing care for trans youth under 19. This could have devastating impacts for transgender young people, making it much more difficult for states to fund this care and for youth to get the essential transition-related medical care that allows them to thrive and live healthy lives. Submit your comments here by no later than February 13th. We are in this together!
You have until February 6th to take advantage of early bird registration for our Statewide Action Summit (SAS)! This year, our annual conference will be TWO days instead of just one! Join us April 10th and 11th in Corvallis, Oregon and travel with us somewhere “Beyond the Rainbow!” This is your chance to Rise Up and Fight Back in support of LGBTQ+ Oregonians. Register here today!
In other news, BRO is looking for workshop proposals for SAS–and specifically, workshops that connect to our long-term gender-affirming care advocacy work and Equal Rights for All ballot measure campaign. We are seeking workshops that connect to advocacy for Transgender and Gender-Diverse people, racial justice, economic justice, and grassroots/field work skills. This is a paid training opportunity, with a $175 stipend for each presenter (Max. 2 presenters each workshop proposal). If you are a local leader or organization and would like to present at our summit, submit your own proposal HERE.
New Year, New You? It’s a great time of year for fresh starts and new goals. Hoping to get more involved in your community through volunteering? BRO has many opportunities available, and we would love to meet you! Sign up here to volunteer with us!
Thanks as always for reading and taking action! Here’s to a smooth, joyful, and activated transition into the New Year.
Love,
The BRO team 🌈