Weekly Update: Travel Info for X-Gender Passports, Oregon Students Protest, and RIP Miss Major
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!
Big shoutout to all our incredible Ignite volunteers!
The Basic Rights Oregon staff has been enjoying some recoup time this week after last weekend’s hugely successful Ignite fundraising party. Thanks to everyone who came out to dine and dance with us! You can check out photos from the night here.
Now, here’s the LGBTQ2SIA+ news you need to know this week:
You may have seen some social media posts or media stories this week about a Trump policy taking effect that impacts the validity of X-gender passports and IDs when flying. The fight over passports for trans and intersex folks continues to play out in court, and things are changing often—but it’s important to know that for now, passports and IDs with X-gender markers are still valid for traveling. You can learn more about the legal nitty-gritty in this ACLU update.
Some students at Roseburg High School staged a walkout last week, in protest of the school allowing one transgender girl to use the women’s locker room. Anti-trans parents helped students organize the walkout, and an estimated 200 students out of a 1,5000- student body participated. But there were also some counter-protestors, including one Roseburg High senior who was there to show support for their transgender friends.
“In a conservative town like this, I would expect a large turnout, so I want to be there to support that one person who has to feel terrified,” that student told local paper The News Review. “I couldn’t imagine that one person, with no support behind them, and having 200 people against me. That must be terrifying.”
Basic Rights Oregon staffers have been in touch with LGBTQ+ organizers in the area this week, and we’ve been assured that they are keeping an eye on the local school board to make sure the trans-affirming policy—which is required by Oregon state guidance—stays in place. (If you’re in the area and want to join that effort, feel free to check out our school board engagement toolkit!)
The legal order blocking the Trump administration from deploying the National Guard in Portland has been extended for another two weeks. Whether that block becomes more permanent remains to be decided in court.
Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, an impactful and inspiring trans rights activist who was at Stonewall, passed away at 78 this week while surrounded by loved ones. She continued fighting for her fellow trans people up until the end, and her memory serves as a reminder that our movement is so much bigger than the current moment. Learn more about her life and legacy.
And here are actions you can take and resources you can use:
This Sunday (10/19), join Basic Rights Oregon and our partner organizations for a special Portland screening of Heightened Scrutiny, a documentary following ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio as he prepares to argue before the US Supreme Court’s in States v. Skrmetti, the case over whether states can ban gender-affirming care for minors. After the film, we'll have a panel discussion with film director Sam Feder, where we'll dive into the legal and media landscape surrounding this decision, and what's next in the fight for trans rights.
The Equal Rights for All Campaign will be out collecting signatures during Saturday’s No Kings rally in Portland! Sign up to join us. If you live outside the Portland area, find a No Kings rally near you here.
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! The event will include a DJ and dancing, comedy, a silent auction and more.
The Portland Street Response, a city-run alternative to policing for folks experiencing mental health crises and other non-violent issues, needs volunteers to join its community oversight committee! Learn more about the opportunity and apply here.
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!
Thanks for reading and for staying connected with Basic Rights Oregon! And Happy Halloween season to all the lovely queer witches out there.
Love,
The BRO team 🌈