Weekly Update: Americans Still Oppose Trans Healthcare Bans, Understanding the New Trump Memo, 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.
Welcome to the weekend, BRO friends!
BRO staff and volunteers at Salem Pride.
Well, it’s becoming a bit redundant for us to reflect on how hard the week has been, isn’t it? And yet, on we go! Tip: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider signing up to volunteer—it can be with us, or for another cause close to your heart. We had a great time with volunteers and community members at Salem Pride last weekend!
Here’s the LGBTQ2SIA+ news you need to know this week:
A new poll finds that a slim but tangible majority of Americans oppose bans on gender affirming care for trans youth. Considering the amount of money, influence, and propaganda that anti-trans forces have put toward demonizing this life-saving care over the last few years, it’s kind of incredible that 52% of Americans are still firmly not buying this BS. The poll found that while Americans still have reservations and misunderstandings about trans youth, they believe medical decisions should ultimately be up to doctors and families, rather than politicians.
Yesterday, Trump signed a presidential memo directing governmental agencies to crack down on progressive and antifascist organizations and activists, which he described as a left-wing “terror network.” Legal experts weighing in so far say the memo is vague and doesn’t carry much legal weight, though it does signify an escalation of Trump’s efforts to trample any free speech he doesn’t agree with. Basic Rights Oregon is having close conversations with our national partners about this memo, and we’ll update you if we have more insight to share in the future.
A federal court ruled last Friday that the National Endowment of the Arts can’t discriminate against trans art and artists when reviewing grant applications and recipients.
Tampa Pride is cancelling all 2026 Pride events, citing a decrease in corporate sponsorships and an increasingly hostile environment for LGBTQ2SIA+ people and causes in Florida. This seems like a good time to remind folks that the first Pride did not have corporate sponsors and was not sanctioned by the government. How we celebrate our community might change during this dark time in history, but we will still find a way.
The Equal Rights for All Campaign has racked up some major endorsements recently, including Health Care for All Oregon, the American Federation of Teachers, SEIU Oregon, the Oregon Working Families Party, and many more! Check out all our endorsements here, and get involved with the campaign here.
And here are actions you can take and resources you can use:
The folks behind the “No Kings” protests are planning another big day of action on October 18. You can join the Equal Rights Campaign to collect ballot measure signatures at the Portland rally.
If you’re the parent of a trans young person accessing gender affirming care, you are probably having some trouble navigating what’s going on right now, especially as the DOJ is trying to collect personal info about young trans patients from hospitals that treat them. Here’s some guidance from the ACLU, Lambda Legal and Transgender Law Center about what’s going on, and what you should know as a parent.
Renewing your passport as a trans or nonbinary person continues to be confusing, stress-inducing, and constantly changing. Here’s a new guide as of this week on what you should know, courtesy of Them.
Next month, the Supreme Court will hear a case challenging state bans on anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy. You can learn more about the case and what you can do in this post from the Trevor Project.
Rocky Horror is a queer cult classic, and it’s turning 50 this year! Here’s how you can celebrate in Portland.
That’s all they/them wrote for this week, folks! Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and try to take a break from your phone this weekend if possible.
Love,
The BRO team 🌈