Latest news with #PortlandPride

Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Portland Pride parades from the 1990s through the 2020s
Jun. 9—June is Pride month, and Portland has long been home to some of Maine's biggest Pride parades. Look back at Pride parades of the past with these photos of Portland Pride celebrations over the last few decades. For this year's Pride celebrations around the state, check out our list of 15 Pride celebrations planned throughout the month. See more photos of life in Maine from our archives here. Copy the Story Link We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others. We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion. You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs. Show less
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Oregon Republican lawmakers attempt to mirror Trump's trans athlete ban
PORTLAND, Ore. () — President Donald Trump's executive order blocking transgender athletes from competing in women's sports is drawing a variety of reactions — from condemnations to praise — in Oregon and beyond. There are already reported legal challenges following the executive order. However, some Oregon lawmakers are praising Trump's decision, urging similar action on the state level. PDX officials remain committed to sanctuary status 'No men in women's sports' — that's the bold executive order Donald Trump signed at the White House Wednesday. , sparking a heated debate nationwide. Debra Porta is the executive director of Pride Northwest, the nonprofit organization that's behind the annual Portland Pride event on the Waterfront. Porta told KOIN 6 News she believes the executive order will fuel discrimination and harassment for young people. 'Trans women, as a whole, are amongst the most vulnerable people in our country,' Porta said. 'It does real damage. We think, 'Oh it's just sports, it's just whatever.' But, you know, trans kids are at the top of the list for young folks who are vulnerable to suicide attempt — and success.' As part of his executive order, Trump said schools defying the mandate will lose critical funding, with no exceptions. 'America categorically rejects transgender lunacy,' Trump said. The Oregon School Activities Association says in its handbook that it allows students to compete based on their gender identity. Semi driver found guilty after crash that killed 7 KOIN 6 News reached out to OSAA for comment. In response, they said in part they are reviewing the executive order's impact with the Oregon Department of Education: 'The OSAA has been in contact with the Oregon Department of Education regarding the pending executive order and its impact in our state. We will work to review the executive order with our legal counsel and its potential effect on current Oregon nondiscrimination law and association policy. The OSAA will continue to act under the direction of the Association's members and in compliance with federal and state law to provide opportunities for tens of thousands of Oregon students to participate in interscholastic opportunities.' At the same time, some Oregon Republicans are pushing for similar action with two bills mirroring the executive order. That includes Senate Bill 618, which would divide sports by biological sex and ban biological males from female events, with legal action for violations. Supporting lawmakers said it's all about keeping sports 'fair' for women. Oregon House Republican Leader Christine Drazan also introduced LC 3895, a piece of legislation that would require 'schools to designate athletic competitions and extracurricular sports according to biological sex.' It would also prohibit 'biological males from participating in athletic competitions or extracurricular sports designated for biological females.' Porta said the idea of blocking trans people from participating in women's sports is anything but fair and the fight is far from over. 'We have always been here…and we'll always be here,' Porta said. There are several lawsuits already in the works challenging Trump's executive order. On Wednesday, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced he's exploring legal options to protect the rights of transgender people, including access to gender-affirming care. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.