More LGBTQ+ people are coming to Oregon as other states pass restricting laws, service providers say

Nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in statehouses across the U.S in 2023. While many were defeated, the ACLU has tracked more than 80 bills that were passed into law. These include measures banning gender-affirming care for minors, banning trans athletes from playing in K-12 sports and prohibiting minors from attending drag story hours and shows. While some of these laws are currently being challenged in court, the growing number of these types of laws is leading to a queer migration of people to places like Oregon that have stronger protections for the LGBTQ+ community, according to service providers here.

Katie Cox is the executive director of the Equi Institute. Meg Miranda is the integrated health program manager at Outside In. And Jesse, whose full name we won’t be using for his protection, is a transplant from Missouri. They all join us now to share more on this trend and what it means for Oregon as a whole.