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.

And just like that, March is coming to a close. Between the cherry blossoms blooming and temperatures rising, we know that brighter days are ahead. Read on for updates on LGBTQ+ rights wins, events, and ways to get involved.

Here are the LGBTQ2SIA+ headlines and activities you need to know this week:

In a major win for Oregon and trans youth across the nation, a federal judge ruled in favor of Oregon and a coalition of 20 other states, blocking Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from restricting federal funding for gender-affirming care for minors. Oregon sued after RFK threatened to bar hospitals from participating in Medicare and Medicaid if they provide care for transgender youth. The declaration has now been found to be unlawful and the federal government has been ordered to stop these illegal and unfounded threats.
Join the Q Center on April 4th for a fundraiser featuring performances, fashion finds, mocktails, and a silent auction, all in support of their gender-affirming closet!
A big thank you to Queer’d PDX for raising funds for BRO at their latest drag show and dance party. In times like these, queer joy and self expression is so deeply needed and we couldn’t be more proud of our community for showing up for each other.

And here are some ways to take action:

Please join us Monday, March 30th from 5 to 10 p.m. at McMenamins Bagdad Theater & Pub for a friends and family night benefiting BRO! Half of the night’s proceeds will go towards our Statewide Action Summit, which allows us to offer discounted tickets to BIPOC and trans community members. Come out to the Bagdad to eat good food, drink a BRO-inspired cocktail/mocktail, and get excited for Queer and Trans justice in 2026 and beyond! Let us know you're coming here.

Basic Rights Oregon is honored to be partnering with PNCA for a Community Art Build on Thursday, April 2nd from 5 to 8 pm.! Join students and faculty at Portland Northwest College of the Arts for screenprinting, button making and art-making in support of BRO's important work in our community! Welcoming our neighbors from near and far, First Thursdays at PNCA are an opportunity to come together in celebration of art, joy and community. These events are a vital part of the cultural ecosystem of NW Portland, with exhibition openings and special events happening throughout the neighborhood on the first Thursday of every month.

Bites for Rights is back again! Join us for a one-day pride season fundraiser to help us protect and defend LGBTQ2SIA+ rights for all Oregonians! Participating small businesses will donate a portion of their proceeds to Basic Rights Oregon on June 25th.
If you own a cafe, bar, restaurant, coffee shop, dispensary, etc. we’d love you to join us! Contact us at events@basicrights.org to learn more.

Passionate about LGBTQ+ rights and communications? BRO is looking for a Communications Manager to lead the development and execution of strategic communications that amplify our mission, elevate LGBTQ2SIA+ community voices, and expand our impact in fundraising, organizing and political campaigns. If you have experience with media and press relations, communications strategy, and nonprofit or advocacy organizations as well as lived personal experience in LGBTQ2SIA+ community, you might be a great fit! Check out the job description here.

Love,

The BRO team 🌈