Weekly Update: Oregon Gender-Affirming Care Access Under Pressure, Remembering Rep. Hòa Nguyễn, 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.
We’d like to kick off today’s newsletter by honoring the memory of Rep. Hòa Nguyễn, who passed away at 41 this week after a battle with cancer. Rep. Nguyễn served Oregon House District 48, which stretches from outer Southeast Portland to Damascus, and was known as a fierce advocate for education and children, as well as for civil rights and justice more broadly.
The Basic Rights Oregon team also remembers Rep. Nguyễn particularly for her stalwart support of LGBTQ+ Oregonians. During her last re-election campaign last year, she faced attack ads specifically targeting her support of gender-affirming care. It was a close race at a time when some national Democrats were wavering on trans issues, but Rep. Nguyễn didn’t ever walkback her support for trans folks. This is just one example of her dedication to building a more equitable and loving Oregon. She will be missed dearly.
Here’s the other LGBTQ+ news you should know right now:
The BRO organizing team had fun meeting with students at University of Oregon’s Big Gay Welcome event!
It’s been a couple weeks of ping-ponging news about whether or not National Guard troops can or will be deployed in Oregon, and Portland even got a visit from proud puppy killer DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. We’re now waiting on a decision from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on whether or not the current block on National Guard deployment in Oregon will stay in place. Stay tuned!
A news report on the status of gender-affirming care access in Oregon lays out the stakes: Thousands of trans folks and their families are fleeing red states for places like Oregon, and yet Oregon still does not have enough providers to serve all trans folks at a reasonable rate. On top of all that, insurance companies and medical providers are also starting to preemptively comply with Trump’s goal to eradicate gender-affirming care access. Read the full article for more info!
After a four-year legal battle, Grants Pass School Board has settled a lawsuit brought forth by two teachers who were sanctioned for using school resources to create anti-trans campaign materials. The two teachers were being represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, an extremist and well-funded anti-LGBTQ+ legal organization.
And here’s how you can take action!
In case you missed it last week: As the government shutdown continues, Republicans are trying to force through anti-LGBTQ+ policies as part of a deal with Democrats to end the shutdown. This includes an effort to gut all Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care. You can use this easy form to let your reps know you don’t want them to compromise our rights to reach a deal!
The team behind Portland’s annual World Naked Bike Ride are planning an emergency ride this Sunday, in an effort to protest the possible deployment of National Guard Troops and show that the city shows up for free speech and freedom of expression. You don’t have to be naked to join!
Our friends at Pride Northwest have launched their annual Community Resilience Drive to assist some of the most vulnerable in our community. Learn more and contribute here!
Are you aware of book ban attempts in your community? The ACLU of Oregon is calling on you to report this challenge!
Thanks for reading this week’s update and being a part of our community! To those of you planning to be at IGNITE tomorrow, we’re looking forward to partying with you soon. Either way, remember to have a little fun this weekend!
Love,
The BRO team 🌈