LGBTQ Advocates Convene in Portland to Build Power of Movement
Over 170 LGBT advocates will gather in Portland, Oregon for Equality Federation’s Leadership Conference

Leaders of state-based equality organizations—from Equality California to Equality Florida—as well as several national partners, will convene at Equality Federation’s Leadership Conference in Portland, Oregon July 13-16th.

Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director of Equality Federation, said this year’s conference is especially consequential: “This year we confronted a tidal wave of over 200 anti-LGBTQ pieces of legislation, and our community was rocked by the tragedy in Orlando. It has been a tough year, but we are stronger together as we push forward to achieve equality in all of our communities. In the face of unprecedented attacks this year, the visible resilience of the transgender community, in particular, has moved the hearts and minds of millions of Americans. This Conference is a special opportunity for leaders in our movement tore-energize, build comradery, learn strategic lessons from each other, and connect with our national partners.”

Basic Rights Oregon is the host organization, providing logistical support as well as welcoming events and activities. “Basic Rights Oregon is excited to host the Equality Federation, as well as national and state leaders from across the country, for this important gathering,” said Nancy Haque, Co-Executive Director. “Oregon is a beacon of progress in the West and we look forward to welcoming everyone to our beautiful state, and for them to get an opportunity to meet local LGBTQ advocates from Portland and beyond. We’re especially excited to engage in conversations about the intersectionality of our movements – from racial justice to economic equality.”

Other topics that will be discussed in workshops and plenaries include: Trends in hostile legislation—and how to defeat them; Ending conversion therapy; Advancing nondiscrimination in 2016 and beyond; Fighting HIV criminalization; White people showing up for racial justice; Major donor and event strategies; and LGBTQ youth and incarceration.

Members of the media are welcome to attend:

• Welcome Reception: Wednesday, July 13
• Welcome Circle and Lunch Plenary: Thursday, July 14
• FEDtalks: Friday, July 15
• Workshops with presenter approval

Click here to view our full schedule and program book.

For interview requests and more information contact Mark Snyder, Director of Communications, mark@equalityfederation.org / 617.416.0552.

Equality Federation is the movement builder and strategic partner to state-based organizations advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. We’re winning equality in the communities we call home.

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. Basic Rights Oregon is a member of the Equality Federation.