50 VOICES FOR EQUALITY SPOTLIGHT

50 VOICES FOR EQUALITY SPOTLIGHT

For Republican Oregon State Senator Frank Morse (R-Albany), equality is "really how we treat one another." Inherent in that, he says, "is the conviction that we're called to treat all persons irrespective of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation - whatever the differences may be - with dignity, respect, and love."When asked two years ago to be a co-chief sponsor of Senate Bill 1000, legislation designed to create civil unions for same-sex couples and prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Senator Morse knew that it would be a difficult journey, but one he felt compelled to undertake. He recognized that on the one hand he "would be vilified, on the other hand, there would be great appreciation for speaking out to this issue."Because of his stand in support of gay rights, Senator Morse and his wife have been refused service in a restaurant: "That was an interesting experience. I can only imagine what it would be like to be genuinely discriminated against."We invite you to read his entire interview featured on our public education campaign, 50 Voices For Equality.
UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, August 11thJoin HRC President Joe Solmonese and BRO Executive Director John Hummel for a Take Action Meeting, then stay for a showing of the HRC Foundation/LOGO Presidential Forum @ the Q Center in Portland.Contact sarah.scanlon@hrc.org to RSVP.Saturday, August 11th: Eugene Pride12pm-8pm in Alton Baker ParkTo volunteer at BRO's table at Eugene Pride, contact maceo@basicrights.org.Saturday, August 11th: "Shades"Join us in Eugene for GLBTQ People of Color Social from 7-9pm. Basic Rights Oregon and DAVIS' is hosting a social gathering for self-identified GLBTQ people of color during PRIDE day in Eugene. Come to DAVIS' on the corner of Olive and Broadway on Saturday at 7 PM an enjoy appetizers with other GLBTQ people of color from the area. For more information or to RSVP please email Maceo@basicrights.org or call him at (541) 513-3521.Treat Yourself to a Massage and Support Basic RightsWe received the following from Kristy Geffen/Harmonize Massage:
"Throughout the month of August I will be donating 10% of my proceeds to Basic Rights Oregon to support the legal fight for transgender, gay, lesbian, bisexual and queer equality. As we prepare for the likelihood of seeing our hard-earned rights put to a statewide vote, I want to make a financial contribution to support the work of the dedicated team at BRO.

I specialize in Swedish, Deep Tissue and Trigger Point Massage as well as in Polarity Therapy. (Polarity is a mixture of deep tissue alignment and energetic/nervous system balancing.) All sessions include an intake and a postural and energetic evaluation, and are tailored specifically to your needs and requests." To make an appointment, contact Kristy at: 503-312-5878 or kristy@harmonizebodywork.comSunday, September 16th: Bend Garden Party for Basic RightsJoin BRO and your community for a garden party in Bend at the home of Roy Dwyer.4pm-6pmSeptember 27-30: Training for GLBT Candidates and Campaign WorkersDid you ever consider running for office? Maybe someday? Want to work on the election of GLBT candidates? Basic Rights Oregon, Equal Rights Washington and the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute are partnering to host a top-notch training for potential GLBT candidates and campaign workers taking place in Vancouver, WA.A PARTY FOR EQUALITY AT YOUR HOUSE!Basic Rights Oregon is looking for equality-minded folks who wish to make a change in their own backyard--or inside your house. We want you to host a house party! It's very easy and we will help you every step of the way. If you are interested in helping to raise critical funds and awareness regarding the possible referendum attempt, please contact our House Party Coordinator, Andrew Hogan ( Andrew@basicrights.org)Saturday, October 13: BRO's 25th Annual Awards Dinner
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