Portland, OR. This year’s theme for the Ignite benefit was Love, Resist, Sparkle. Organizers of the October 13th Basic Rights Oregon event told supporters, “There must be resistance to create a spark. And together, we can really shine.” Nancy Haque, Governor Kate Brown, and Mat dos Santos were among the guests who attended the fundraiser at the Portland Hilton. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
“Let’s light up the night at Ignite,” was one of the toasts.
Honoree Marcia Alvey & her Mother, Patricia Alvey
A photo booth captured smiles.
Aimee Wilson, House Speaker Tina Kotek
The Main Event dance party closed out the evening.
Our Mission:
Basic Rights Oregon will ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Oregonians experience equality by building a broad and inclusive politically powerful movement, shifting public opinion, and achieving policy victories.
Our Vision
To ensure that all LGBTQ Oregonians live free from discrimination and be treated with dignity and respect in every community in our state.
Our Approach
Basic Rights Oregon works fearlessly and tirelessly to build a strong, vibrant, powerful, and progressive movement for LGBTQ equality. LGBTQ Oregonians exist in every community, and we understand that we have to engage in strategic, values-based coalitions to address the many needs of our communities. As such, building alliances with progressive groups that advocate for working families, racial justice, immigrant rights, reproductive justice, and campaign reform will be essential to winning policies that meet the varied needs of our diverse community.
Our Priority Communities
We recognize that within our LGBTQ communities, many of us experience both privilege and oppression on a daily basis. We know that despite leading the nation in statewide legal protections, LGBTQ Oregonians are far from full legal equality. Our vision is to be a leader in political and policy work that centers the needs of four critically important communities:
- LGBTQ people of color, including LGBTQ immigrants & refugees of color, who bear the brunt of homophobia, transphobia, racism, and xenophobia.
- Trans, genderqueer and gender nonconforming people, who face astonishing rates of violence and discrimination, and whose basic rights are far from secure.
- LGBTQ youth, who face high rates of homelessness, bullying and suicide, and who are present and future leaders for LGBTQ equality and social justice. LGBTQ people beyond the Portland Metro area, who are often isolated, whose needs are distinct from those in Portland, and who face unique barriers to reach the promise of true lived equality.
More information at http://www.basicrights.org/.
