Weekly Update: BRO Seeking Queer Artists for Auction Donations, Anti-GAC Attacks Continue, and More
Portland Pride 2025. Photo by Paige Andersen.
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.
Happy Friday, BRO friends! Head’s up: Oregon is headed into some extreme heat this weekend—here’s a guide to finding a cooling center near you if you need it.
And now, here’s the LGBTQ+ news you need to know:
This week, the Trump administration announced that it plans to halt both Medicare and Medicaid funding for all hospitals that provide gender-affirming care for minors. This is hardly a surprise, and the climate of fear the administration is creating is already causing many hospitals and providers to prematurely pause some gender-affirming care services. BRO is continuing to work with state officials to ensure that gender-affirming care continues to be accessible in Oregon—which is required by state law.
In related news, 16 states filed a lawsuit against the federal government this week over “an "unconstitutional pressure campaign" to stop doctors and hospitals from providing gender-affirming care to transgender youth,” according to NPR. Oregon isn’t a part of this lawsuit—but that’s only because we’re already leading a separate, similar lawsuit filed in February.
In more infuriating news, the Trump admin is going back on its promise to let trans military service members keep their retirement benefits after being kicked out because of the new anti-trans military policy. This week, trans folks who had been given early retirement benefits after being kicked out of the military suddenly lost those benefits.
We’ll end the news section with a bright spot: A federal judge ruled this week that the National Endowment for the Arts acted illegally when it abruptly rescinded grant funding from arts and culture organizations in Oregon earlier this year. This was just a preliminary injunction, which means that the lawsuit led by Oregon Humanities will continue for now.
And here’s what you can do:
Our friends at Outside In are offering support for queer and trans folks dealing with name and gender changes, and other important ID issues. Spread the word about this great program.
Are you a queer Oregon artist who wants to help raise money for Basic Rights Oregon? We’re planning a silent art auction for our annual Ignite fundraiser in October, and we’re seeking donations from local LGBTQ+ artists! Reach out to info@basicrights.org if you’d like to participate.
And speaking of Ignite: Our ticket and sponsorship site is live! Join us for Oregon’s queerest fundraiser of the year.
Finally: The signature collection drive for the Equal Rights for All ballot measure continues. There are tons of opportunities to volunteer—find one that works for you on our Mobilize page!
Whether you take one of these opportunities or find another way to take action, we encourage you to act! Hoping you have a weekend full of connection, action, and rest.
Stay cool out there,
The BRO team 🌈