Weekly Update: School Board Election Crunchtime, Medicaid Cuts Target LGBTQ+ Care, and More
Welcome to Basic Rights Oregon’s weekly newsletter, where we update you on the LGBTQ+ 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.
Hi, BRO Friends!
It’s Friday, which means school board elections happen THIS TUESDAY! Before voting, make sure to do your research using the Oregon Voter’s Guide and endorsements from organizations you trust. BRO has also made endorsements in some districts!
Once you have your voting plan figured out, take the next step in supporting LGBTQ-inclusive schools by canvassing! You can join BRO in Beaverton on Monday, where we’ll be door-knocking for affirming candidates. Sign up to join us!
Here’s the other LGBTQ+ news you should know this week:
A viciously anti-trans troll spoke at Portland State University a couple weeks ago, and a large group of PSU students protested her presence. The speaker, Riley Gaines, routinely misgenders trans people—a practice that is becoming all too commonplace in mainstream society as the Trump administration wields its influence. This is your reminder that deliberate, repeated misgendering is harassment, and part of a right-wing effort to dehumanize and other transgender people. We must stand up against it whenever and wherever it happens, especially in public spaces like college campuses.
Republicans in DC are trying to absolutely gut Medicaid, which would gravely impact healthcare for HIV+ folks, gender-affirming care access, and more. BRO is working with leaders in Salem to ensure that if these cuts go through, Oregon will make up at least some of those funds through the state budget. If you want to protect access to LGBTQ+ healthcare in Oregon, you can find your state reps here and let them know how important this is!
The Trump administration’s anti-LGBTQ+ policies are being swiftly implemented in the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. That means LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination lawsuits are being dropped, and shelters are being pressured to conform to discriminatory anti-trans policies. Considering that LGBTQ+ folks already make up a disproportionate amount of the unhoused population, this is an especially cruel action—and a reminder to all of us to look out for all of our neighbors, including ones who are unhoused.
Okay, this isn’t technically news, but that was a bit of a rough news update! Here’s an ICYMI bit of joy from our Instagram page:
And here’s what you can do!
BRO staffer Maddy hit the campaign trail in Bend last week, joining nonbinary school board member Kina Chadwick and their family.
Allow us to repeat ourselves: School board elections happen in just four days! That means that Monday evening is your last chance to canvass for LGBTQ-inclusive candidates in Beaverton with BRO. Sign up to join us!
It’s almost Pride season! We need volunteers to help us table and collect signatures for our ballot measure campaign at Pride events throughout the state—learn more and sign up here.
Calling all small business owners! We’re looking for more restaurants, bars, cafes, dessert shops, dispensaries, etc. to take part in our Bites for Rights day on June 26. Join the party here!
Thanks for reading! And remember, if you ever have questions, concerns, ideas, etc.—don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re in this work together.
Take care,
The BRO team 🌈