Weekly Update: Oregon Listed among “Most Protective” LGBTQ+ States, Polyamory in Portland, and Last Call for SAS Registration
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.
If all of this rain has had you feeling a bit stir crazy, we have a solution that will get you on your feet and moving! Our friends at Queer’d PDX are throwing a big gay dance party and you are invited! Grab your pals and join us next Friday, March 20th at Escape Bar & Grill for a queer dance party with drag performances, LGBTQ+ vendors and more. Proceeds go to Basic Rights Oregon!
Here are the LGBTQ2SIA+ headlines and activities you need to know this week:
A map of the United States showing which states are the safest and least safe for transgender youth and adults is pointing to Oregon as one of the “most protective” states in the country. California, Colorado and Washington are all included on the map with Oregon as states that have gone above and beyond in safeguarding the rights and well-being of transgender individuals, making them highly desirable places to live for those in search of security.
Polyamorous families will have legal protections under a new policy approved by Portland City Council. City leaders unanimously voted in favor of Ordinance 2026-073, which ensures that Portlanders of different sexual orientations and family statuses will be protected from discrimination, on Wednesday. Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane, who introduced the policy in mid-February, said the proposal comes as 420 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been approved by state lawmakers nationwide since the beginning of 2026.
BASIC RIGHTS OREGON IS 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. Head to our website to learn more and apply!
And here are some ways to take action:
The deadline has been extended to register for our Statewide Action Summit, coming up April 10th and 11th in Corvallis. Our biannual summit is an opportunity for activists and organizers around the state to gather and learn together about ways to get involved in fighting and advocating for LGBTQ2SIA+ rights! Some of this year’s panelist and presenter topics include: “Resistance through the Ages,” “Privilege in Protest”, and “Folklore as Liberation.” Intrigued? Sign up today!
And speaking of our summit, we aim to make all of our events as inclusive as possible, so we offer sliding scale entry fees for folks. To help fund this, our friends at McMenamin’s Bagdad Theater and Pub are hosting a Friends and Family Night fundraiser on Monday, March 30th from 5 to 10 pm. 50% of sales will support our Statewide Action Summit. Bring your families and enjoy some tots!
Love,
The BRO team 🌈