Why we organize: Seven pieces of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation are currently being proposed in Salem; five of them are sponsored by our local Southern Oregon GOP representatives: State Senator David Brock Smith, as well as state Representatives Christine Goodwin, Virgil Osborne and Boomer Wright.
These legislators effectively represent the whole body of Douglas County, but they do not speak for the whole body of love and respect for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/questioning, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community that thrives here.
These pieces of far reaching legislation affect everything from school board policy regarding sports and restrooms (House Bill 2186 and HB 3044) to gender affirming health care in prisons and mental institutions (Senate Bill 897). These types of situations put into perspective the never-ending struggle for self sufficiency in our country, our state and in our local community.
Organizing our community and our allies, here where we live, shows to our local elected officials and the rest of Oregon that they don’t represent the majority of Douglas County.
We have a thriving queer community, unafraid to be out and proud of who they are. If at all evident from the recent May 23 Roseburg City Council meeting, they are strong. Organizing great community resources, raising funds for meaningful projects and amazing events. Educating our youth and local populace on our struggles for understanding.
They are leaders and pillars of our community who will support local officials who will defend and take our community seriously.
As part of the “big tent” of Democrats in Douglas County, and a proud member of our local queer community, it means a lot to me to be a small part here and to help our people thrive. That means putting up a stiff resistance to policy that attacks our friends and family. Pride Month is the time where we come together and celebrate the freedom of expression that had to be earned with lifetimes of toil and sacrifice.
With June being Pride Month, let’s remind ourselves and our local officials to let kids be kids, and let adults live their lives as the individuals they were meant to be. Let’s share compassion for our fellow Americans. Let’s remind our local legislators that if they don’t represent us, they shouldn’t expect our support and respect in return.
Five of the seven bills mentioned above affect school policy in Oregon, the most at risk sector of public services in our nation. In our public schools, you have the constitutional right to express your views and identity, but most importantly to not be discriminated against in any way or form for expressing them.
I proudly graduated from Glide High School, class of 2019 — a class of about 20. It was difficult, in my small town, to be out and in the open. Policy that dictates life that is already hard is not to the benefit of any student body.
In Douglas County, it’s said time and time again, our major export is our young kids. They move to more inclusive environments, for more diverse forms of income and stability. I chose at a very young age (albeit I’m 21) to spend my life in my home, surrounded by the beauty of the Umpqua.
Staying home means organizing, supporting and electing officials who will see that vision of the future, so that more of our youth want to stay in their home taking steps to change the world they live in.
This Pride Month, let us cherish the rights we hold so near and dear. We will not let them take what has cost us so dearly to achieve. To our community and our allies: organize and vote.
This article was published in the News-Review on Jun 4 2023.