Weekly Update: A Victory for Inclusive Sex Ed, How to Protect Marriage Equality in Oregon, and More
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.
BOO! Or should we say… BRO! It’s one week until Halloween, and we’ve got both chilling tricks and delightful treats in this week’s update.
We’ll start with a treat: Check out this happy-tear-jerker video about the power of coming out of the closet—and of existing as joyful queer and trans folks—made for Basic Rights Oregon by filmmaker Eva Moss:
Now, wipe those tears and get caught up on LGBTQ+ news for the week:
Good news: A federal judge ruled this week that the Trump administration can’t withhold federal grant funding from states that teach LGBTQ-inclusive sex education in public schools. The lawsuit was brought forth by 16 states and led by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield.
We can expect yet another legal decision as to whether the federal government can deploy National Guard troops in Oregon sometime in the next day or two. If you’re feeling confused as to where we’re at in this legal back-and-forth, OPB lays it all out in an accessible way right here.
The Supreme Court will consider whether or not to hear a legal case challenging nationwide marriage equality on November 7. To be clear, the Supreme Court has not decided to take the case yet, and we might not get a definite answer as to whether they will hear that case or not for a while after the 7th. If they do decide to take the case, a ruling wouldn’t happen until sometime next year.
Experts say it’s far from a sure thing that the Court will even take this case—but regardless, this does represent a continuing right-wing backlash against our community, and we know that at least a couple Supreme Court Justices are itching to overturn marriage equality. If you’re worried what this could all mean for Oregonians, this is a great time to get involved in the Equal Rights for All Campaign, which aims to remove outdated language about marriage being between one man and one woman from the Oregon Constitution. (Yes, that language is still in there!)
Here are more actions you can take to support and celebrate LGBTQ2SIA+ Oregonians:
Looking for something to do in Portland this weekend? Look no further than QDoc, a highly regarded LGBTQ2SIA+ documentary film festival that’s been running in Portland for almost 20 years! The lineup includes features on a queer breakdancing legend, the rise and mysterious fall of a 90s wellness influencer, and redemption for a gay Apache man falsely convicted of murder. There are also short films about an all-trans soccer league, taking pride in butch identities, and one of the country’s first gay disco clubs.
Pride in Numbers is an upcoming effort to collect data about LGBTQ2SIA+ Oregonians, which can then be used to advocate for funding and policies that will benefit our communities. You can spend two minutes and take the Pride in Numbers pledge right now to stay in the loop about participating—and learn more about how your privacy will be protected.
On November 7, join us for a night of fun and fundraising for the Equal Rights for All Campaign at the World Famous Kenton Club! We’ll have beats from DJ Wildchild, comedy from Mx. Dahlia Belle, a silent auction and more.
Triangle Legal Foundation, a local group providing pro-bono legal assistance for trans folks and sex workers, is hosting a few legal clinics before the end of the year.
Finally, here’s one holiday event you can definitely feel excited about: We’re teaming up with the Lesbian Culture Club to host a screening of modern lesbian classic Carol, directed by Portland’s own Todd Haines, on December 7!
Whether you’re out haunting queer gathering spaces or cozy under a blanket at home this weekend, we hope you get some time for rest and rejuvenation! Thanks for being in community with us.
Love,
The BRO team 🌈