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.

Happy April! We’re kicking off the month strong with community events, Trans Day of Visibility, and more… No April fools here, just queer community joy and resilience as we stand up for LGBTQ2SIA+ justice. Keep reading for all the latest news and ways to get involved!

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

March 31st was International Transgender Day of Visibility, a day to celebrate and uplift the trans community. That joy was tempered by the news out of Minnesota that the state was sued by the U.S. Department of Justice for allowing transgender athletes to compete alongside their peers and allowing trans students to use bathrooms, locker rooms, and other facilities free from discrimination. We also saw the Supreme Court rule against a Colorado ban on conversion therapy for queer and trans kids. This cruel and discredited practice is banned in almost two dozen states, and goes against everything we stand for here at BRO. We are proud to be queer and trans led, and we refuse to back down in the face of these baseless attacks on our community. We know that visibility without protections is not enough; we all deserve safety, rights, and freedom to live as our authentic selves.
In better news, The American Medical Association has reaffirmed what we know to be true, that gender-affirming care is medically necessary. Doctors agree that these decisions belong in the hands of patients and their providers, not politicians.

We loved coming together with our community for a community art build at Pacific Northwest College of Art as part of First Thursdays in the North Blocks. The community showed out to learn about BRO’s work and make queer art, including screen printing and button making. Huge thank you to PNCA for partnering with us to make this joyous event possible!

And here are some ways to take action:

Want to make your voice heard? Pride in Numbers is a community-led, statewide research project by and for Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people across Oregon. Through an online survey, storytelling sessions, and a community art project, Pride in Numbers is creating a powerful portrait of Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ life in Oregon. The information and stories will be shared back with the community, so our advocates, community organizations, and organizers can build the programs, services, mutual aid networks, and policies we deserve and dream of. Visit www.prideinnumbers.org to get involved!