This June, as LBGTQ+ communities around the world participate in self-affirming events to support dignity and increased visibility through Pride Month, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) declared a national state of emergency in the United States. In a new report, LGBTQ+ Americans Under Attack HRC outlined 525 state bills that attack the rights of LGBTQ+ people in the US, 220 specifically targeting transgender communities. While people take part in colorful parades and any number of creative expressions to celebrate Pride this month, the heightened risk for LGBTQ+ people warranted the creation of the Protecting Pride Organizing Guide.

Here in Southern Oregon, a number of Pride events are planned in June and in the months to come. This Saturday June 10, Grants Pass Pride will host a mega celebration in two buildings at the Josephine County Fairgrounds. One building will host local organizations and vendors, and another will offer community conversations, performances, dancing and drinks at their featured 21+ drag and burlesque show. The group has made special efforts to keep people safe, including coordinating de-escalation teams at all events. More information available here.

On June 24, Medford Pride 2023 will offer a free, family-friendly public event downtown Medford. You can listen to organizers of the event talk about their plans on the We The People radio show on KSKQ. The group has set agreements to support safety for all, so please check out their Frequently Asked Questions page for more information. 

Events are planned in Roseburg and Coos Bay also during June. Later this summer in fall stay tuned to learn about the Klamath Falls Pride and the popular Southern Oregon Pride in Ashland will take place on October 1. 

We believe that action is needed to address these attacks on gender-affirming health care and baseline educational principles to support more equity and less isolation for every member of the LGBTQ+ community in 2023.