Weekly Update: House Bill 4088 Passes Into Law, “Riot Queens” on Stage, and Basic Rights Oregon is Hiring a Communications Manager!
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.
Hello friends of Basic Rights Oregon! Thanks for reading our weekly update.
WE ARE HIRING! 🏳️🌈 If you or someone you know is a seasoned communications and marketing professional with lived experience in LGBTQ2SIA+ spaces, we are excited to announce an open position on our team! Basic Rights Oregon is seeking our next talented Communications Manager. This new hire will not only be the future voice of this newsletter, but they’ll also help make a huge difference in the lives of queer and trans people all over the state of Oregon. Head to our website to learn more and apply!
Here are the LGBTQ2SIA+ headlines and activities you need to know this week:
Basic Rights Oregon is incredibly proud to share that House Bill 4088 successfully passed the final vote in the Capitol and is off to the Governor's desk to be signed into law! We want to thank the Oregon legislators who support strengthening the basic rights of our communities and further protect gender affirming care and reproductive healthcare providers, healthcare patient data, and sensitive court records.
A bill protecting Planned Parenthood funding passed in the House of Representatives this week, positioning our beloved state of Oregon as a national leader in protecting reproductive healthcare. House Bill 4127 ensures Oregonians can continue accessing critical healthcare services by protecting state funding for Planned Parenthood. The bill is in response to the Trump Administration’s federal budget bill blocking certain entities from Medicaid reimbursements.
Basic Rights Oregon has signed onto a letter--along with dozens of state-based equality organizations across the country--to support the people of Kansas following the passage of SB 244, a dangerous and discriminatory law targeting the rights of transgender, nonbinary, intersex, and gender diverse Kansans. SB 244–which passed only after the Legislature overrode a veto by the state’s Governor–restricts the ability of transgender people to use public bathrooms, allows others to sue those in violation of the law, and immediately invalidates Kansans’ driver’s licenses and birth certificates if the sex marker is different than what was assigned at birth. This law has left countless Kansans scrambling with the knowledge that their driver’s licenses and other documents are no longer seen as valid by the state. Our hearts are with you. We stand with Kansas.
And here are some ways to take action:
Want to help support the people of Kansas? There are several resources and ways you can help, including: The LGBTQ Foundation of Kansas, Trans Lawrence Coalition, and Transformations. There are also several Go Fund Me efforts in the works that you can sign onto.
If you are looking for an affirming, trauma-informed, gender-liberated space where young people can experience joy, community, and the freedom to be fully themselves, Camp Starlight might be just what you’ve been dreaming of! Camp Starlight is a free, week‑long overnight camp for LGBTQIA youth and youth impacted by HIV/AIDS — the only program of its kind in Oregon. Campers spend the week building friendships, exploring nature, creating art, playing games, and participating in activities designed to celebrate identity and foster belonging. Many youth describe Camp Starlight as the first place they’ve ever felt truly seen. Applications for the 2026 season are now open. To apply for Camp Starlight, head to their website.
In a time when the Trump administration has declared trans people do not exist, one of Basic Rights Oregon’s very own team members, Mikki Gillette, is bringing this story to life through art. Mikki is a trans woman, a local playwright, and the Major Gifts Officer at BRO. Her newest play, “Riot Queens” is on stage at Backdoor Theater March 5 - 29. Fuse Theatre Ensemble proudly presents this play that dramatizes the Compton’s Cafeteria Riots, a trans woman-led, anti-police uprising in San Francisco that predates Stonewall by three years. Based on extensive research, Riot Queens explores the political, social and interpersonal dynamics leading to the event through its three main characters. At a time when opponents of trans rights seek to cast doubt on the legitimacy of trans identities, Riot Queens attests to the truth of the statement that “trans people have always existed,” and will never stop fighting. To get tickets to Riot Queens, visit the Fuse Theater website.
Don’t forget to register for our Statewide Action Summit! The two-day statewide advocacy conference is coming up quickly. Can’t make it, but still want to support? Save the date for March 30 and visit Bagdad Theater + Pub for Friends and Family Night. 50% of sales between 5:00 and 10:00 p.m. will help fund SAS!
Love,
The BRO team 🌈