Weekly Update: HB 4088 Signed into Law, Volunteer at Bend Pride, and Bites for Rights Spotlight!

May 15

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. To receive this newsletter as a weekly email, subscribe here. Reach out to our team anytime at info@basicrights.org. 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.

Pride season is just around the corner, and we have so much to celebrate this year. From 30 years of BRO, to passing landmark legislation, we are so proud of our community for continuing to show up for LGBTQ2SIA+ rights in the face of hostility and ignorance.

Keep reading for policy updates, a Save the Date for Happylucky’s Pride Party, an opportunity to volunteer at Bend Pride, and a Bites for Rights restaurant spotlight!

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

HB 4088 Signed into Law

While the federal Administration threatens healthcare access, this week Gov. Kotek signed legislation protecting access to reproductive and gender affirming care, including HB 4088 which makes transgender Oregonians, the families who support them, and the providers who care for them safer to simply live and care for one another.

House Bill 4088strengthens the “shield” law passed by Oregon Democrats in 2023, protecting providers of reproductive and gender-affirming care from civil lawsuits, professional discipline, loss of malpractice insurance, or subpoenas for providing care that is legal under Oregon law.

BRO was proud to champion HB 4088 in the 2026 legislative session. In the words of our Policy and Research Director, Seth Johnstone, "This law echoes the voices of every patient or family who has been concerned about their privacy, and every provider who is worried they’ll be arrested for providing lawful and safe health care. At Basic Rights Oregon, we will continue fighting for the health of our communities and make sure Oregon’s policies build a healthier future.”

Keep an eye out for updates on our 2027 legislative priorities as we get closer to session!

Equi Center Call to Action

The Marie Equi Center provides essential support to our community through trauma-informed care, culturally affirming services, and social justice advocacy. And right now, the Equi Center needs our help.

Multnomah County is making tough budget decisions, and these decisions could include cutting funding to vital spaces that provide services to the LGBTQ2SIA+ community. In Multnomah County, The Equi Center is the only LGBTQ2SIA+-run low-barrier day center serving unhoused queer and trans adults in the Portland metro area. For many people, it is the only place where they can safely rest, access support, connect with peers, and engage with housing and healthcare systems.

There has been a proposal to cut 25% of the Center’s County funding, but an amendment has been proposed that could save that funding, restoring $221,000 for these essential services. We need folks to voice support for this amendment to the Board.

We also encourage community to submit written testimony that opposes the proposed cutting the only Direct Clinical Services Mental Health Consultant LGBTQ+ position in the county that directly supports staff and clinicians working with LGBTQ+ children, youth, and families by offering consistent and responsive education, consultation, and care-centered support. If cut, this is going to leave a gap in critical services. Grounded in trauma-informed practice, intersectionality, and power-sharing, this role is designed to strengthen the capacity of teams to show up with confidence, skill, and relational presence when serving LGBTQ+ communities.

Anyone can submit written testimony until June 4th 2026, and all written testimony will be shared with the Board of Commissioners using this form. You can find a template here that you can copy and paste!

If you want to take additional action, you can send an email directly to the Chair of the Multnomah County Board here.

Happylucky Pride Party

Save the date for a Pride party that’s not to be missed! Happylucky is throwing a Pride block party extravaganza on July 18 with proceeds supporting Basic Rights Oregon.

Happylucky is a queer-owned, women-led creative agency specializing in branding, content, retail activations, and community in Portland, LA, and NYC. Follow @happylucky on Instagram for more info and to be the first to know when tickets drop!

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Table with BRO at Bend Pride

Pride comes early to Bend! Bend Summer Pride is coming back to what it's always been at its core: people showing up for each other. A beautiful afternoon in the park with your people — blankets on the grass, local food carts, acoustic sets, drag pop-ups, lawn games, and the kind of spontaneous joy that doesn't need a program to happen.

Bites for Rights Spotlight

Screen Door has been serving up Southern hospitality in Portland since 2006, offering a vibrant take on classic Southern comfort food made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Known for their legendary fried chicken, chicken & waffles, indulgent brunch, and warm, welcoming atmosphere, Screen Door brings the rich traditions of Southern cooking to the Pacific Northwest. With locations on East Burnside and in the Pearl District, Screen Door is proud to be a gathering place for both longtime regulars and new visitors alike.

Stop by Screen Door or another participating business on June 25 to raise funds for LGBTQ2SIA+ rights! Businesses participating in Bites for Rights will donate a portion of their sales on June 25 to Basic Rights Oregon.

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.