Each year, observed on March 31, International Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates and lifts up the leadership and lives of transgender people, and raises awareness about the issues transgender people face on a daily basis. This year’s theme, More Than Visibility (#MoreThanVisibility), seeks to recognize that while visibility is important, it will take education and dialogue to
You’re Getting a Raise in Oregon
March 2nd was a historic day in Oregon—for LGBTQ people, for people of color, for all Oregonians. On this day, Governor Kate Brown signed into law an increase in the state’s minimum wage, making it the highest statewide minimum wage rate in the nation. By 2022, the minimum wage will be $14.75 inside of Portland’s
Building a Brighter Future
As the evening began in Helena, I was excited for this first stop of Pride Foundation’s Montana Tour. Our hope for the evening was to connect with members of the LGBTQ community, allies, partner organizations, and supportive local business leaders. Excited as I was, I was also nervous that we’d face an empty room. When
Inspiring Advances for LGBTQ Equality in Montana
Trans* 101 Training in Red Lodge In January, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) in Red Lodge, Montana presented “Transgender Issues in Montana” as part of their monthly Provocative Issues Forum. The forums are designed to give Red Lodge residents an opportunity to better understand and discuss important issues in Montana. Shawn Francis, one of
The Change Our Communities Need
First Alaskans Institute’s Alaska Native Policy Center hosted “Partners for the next 10,000 years…A Racial Equity Summit” from February 1-2, 2016 in Anchorage, Alaska. For the past six years, the Institute has facilitated a project aimed at resetting the statewide conversation on racism and racial equity called Advancing Native Dialogues on Racial Equity (ANDORE) program.
Our Community’s Heartbreaking Loss
Pride Foundation has learned of extremely devastating news out of Montana. Two individuals from the Missoula transgender community, Jame Wallack and Sam Edelman, have died from suicide. The loss of a loved one is difficult to bear, and we feel a profound sense of loss along with our LGBTQ community partners and allies this week.
Our Resilience is Our Power
Last June, our community celebrated a landmark victory when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples had the constitutional right to marry. You, no doubt, remember that moment filled with joy and—perhaps on some level—disbelief. Yet in that moment we also knew that new and different legal threats would continue to emerge in our
Len Tritsch’s Lasting Lessons
This year, Pride Foundation was saddened by the passing of Leonard Tritsch, a beloved member of the Northwest LGBTQ community. Len was a loyal Pride Foundation supporter who first connected with our work more than 20 years ago. He was a passionate advocate for health and athletics, and the dedication and tenacity that he brought
Meet Dan Lister, Boise’s First LGBT Liaison Officer
In 2012, Boise adopted a citywide ordinance that protects LGBT residents from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Eleven other Idaho cities have passed similar ordinances since 2011. Recently, Boise Police Chief Bill Bones created the department’s–and Idaho’s–first LGBT Liaison Officer for the primary purpose of building trust and communication between the LGBT community
Upholding Our Shared Alaskan Values
Last September, local mother Cathy Gillis testified in front of a crowded Anchorage Assembly Chamber, sharing the story of when her son came out to her as transgender. Detailing her shock and confusion, Cathy explained that—even though it rocked her world—she realized that, “his gender identity does not affect his kindness, his work ethic, or