Weekly Update: Planned Parenthood Defunded, New Trans Legal Clinic in Portland, and More
Happy Friday to our BRO community!
Some of the breaking news this week might have you feeling uneasy or exhausted. That’s why Basic Rights Oregon is here: We’re cutting through the noise and delivering the LGBTQ+ information, action items, and resources you need to know. Let’s get to it!
Here’s the LGBTQ2SIA+ news you need to know this week:
BIG NEWS for our Equal Rights for All campaign: Oregon AFL-CIO, a labor union representing over 300,000 Oregonians, has endorsed our ballot measure! "We know that when we as workers do not have control over our own decisions and bodily autonomy, it affects our ability to work and organize effectively for the best working and living conditions,” said Sarina Roher, Secretary-Treasurer of the Oregon AFL-CIO, about the decision to endorse.
Yesterday, Oregon organizations got word that the Trump administration is cutting funding for services for disabled students and their families. The reason for the sudden cuts? They allegedly focus too much on diversity, education and inclusion. Most of the defunded programs are based in Oregon’s poorest counties.
In more defunding news: A federal appeals court ruled that Trump is allowed to cut all Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, as part of his Big Bad Bill. This is devastating for many communities who depend on Planned Parenthood not just for abortion, but also for a range of medical services including gender affirming care. Basic Rights Oregon continues to work with state officials to ensure GAC remains accessible for Oregonians, despite these massive cuts.
Oregon State Rep. Cyrus Javadi is switching his political affiliation from Republican to Democrat, saying that the state GOP has grown increasingly divisive and out of touch with Oregonians’ needs. Javadi was the lone Republican to support our anti-book-ban Freedom to Read Act, and was also the only one to stay on the House Floor during a drag performance earlier this year. He’s cited his gay son as another reason for switching. We appreciate Rep. Javadi for following his conscience and supporting our community!
The Trump administration agreed to restore web pages about HIV and LGBTQ+ health issues, as part of a lawsuit settlement. The pages were deleted earlier this year when Trump issued an executive order aiming to purge trans folks from all government material.
As RFK Jr. continues to dismantle the CDC’s vaccine policies, the pressure is building on him to resign. That includes this op-ed from Sen. Bernie Sanders, which calls for Kennedy to step down and takes aim at his wide-ranging false medical beliefs, including his anti-LGBTQ+ beliefs.
And here are action items and resources for you:
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.
Triangle Legal Foundation, a new Portland legal clinic for low-income trans folks and sex workers, is hosting its first legal clinic on Monday, September 22. You can get more info on the clinic here, and you can support this incredible new resource here!
Reminder: It’s ok to not be ok right now. Check out the support group info on our website to find solace and community with other LGBTQ2SIA+ folks.
Finally, IGNITE is now less than one month away! Tickets to the VIP dinner are almost sold out, BUT we still have ample room at our Ignite Dance Party! Your dance party ticket gives you access to a full open bar, hours of dancing with a live queer DJ, and the knowledge that you’re supporting BRO’s work protecting LGBTQ2SIA+ rights in Oregon.
Thanks as always for reading, and for being in community with us. Enjoy the crisp fall vibes this weekend, and we’ll see you back here next week!