2009 Fighting Spirit Award:
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley

Basic Rights Oregon will present U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley with the Fighting Spirit Award at our Annual Dinner and Auction on Saturday, October 10th, 2009.

While serving in the Oregon Legislature and as the Democratic Leader, Jeff Merkley made the passage of the non-discrimination and domestic partnership legislation a top priority. Senator Merkley worked tirelessly to build support for these critical bills.

As Speaker of the House in 2007, he showed true leadership by shepherding both the non-discrimination and domestic partnership bills through the House and Senate. Many people thought it was too much to move both bills through at the same time. However, Senator Merkley refused to wait one more session to protect Oregon families who had already waited far too long.

Now in the U.S. Senate, Merkley is once again demonstrating his leadership on issues that impact the lives of gay and transgender Americans and their allies. He is the lead Democratic sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and a co-sponsor on three other key bills: the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, the Uniting American Families Act and Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention/Mathew Shepard Act.

Senator Merkley is firmly establishing himself as a major player on the Federal legislation most important to Basic Rights Oregon. He remains dedicated to protecting the rights of our families, friends and neighbors to ensure that everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and with respect.

The Fighting Spirit Award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Honorees are chosen based on their years of service to the LGBT community, leadership, visibility, and impact.

Equality Champions

Last year, we launched our Equality Champions program to recognize the dedication and leadership of outstanding Oregonians in the LGBT equality movement. We are thrilled to announce the following recipients for the 2009 Equality Champions from all across the state:

Northwest Oregon — Daniel Beck, of Lincoln City, for his work to promote LGBT equality in government policy in his hometown and his commitment to build a safe environment for the LGBT population on the coast.

Southern Oregon — Bonnie Cameron and Devon Dorn, of Grants Pass, for their work to create safer spaces for the LGBT community in Southern Oregon.

Central Oregon — Aylett Wright, of Bend, who works tirelessly to promote youth equality through her work with Oregon Safe Schools, Human Dignity Coalition, Planned Parenthood and more.

Eastern Oregon — Lonnie and Vickie Read, of Pendleton, for re-establishing a strong PFLAG chapter and for promoting awareness on issues of LGBT equality to the broader community.

Portland Metro — David Martinez and Melanie Davis, for their leadership in creating an incredible and important community event, the Portland Latino Gay Pride Festival.

Our champions will be honored at Basic Rights Oregon's 27th Annual Dinner and Auction on Saturday, October 10th, 2009.