1: Act I, 1988
Foreshadowing the hate crimes that accompany Ballot Measure 9, Mulugeta Seraw is beaten to death.
2: Ballot Measure 9
“Amends Oregon Constitution… homosexuality, pedophilia, sadism, or masochism… are abnormal, wrong, unnatural and perverse.”
3: Oregon Democracy Project
Western States Center joins scores of new and longtime community-based groups fighting Ballot Measure 9.
4: A Gay Bar in Eugene
Eugene, where the campaign began, provides a portal to explore Oregon’s political and cultural geography.
5: PCUN Union Hall
Oregon’s farmworkers’ union takes a courageous stand for LGBTQ Oregonians, setting in motion one of the most durable legacies of Ballot Measure 9.
6: African Americans Voting No on 9
Kathleen Saadat’s coming out on the cover of Just Out changes the dynamics of campaign.
7: Hate Crimes Surge
Homophobic attacks and violent rhetoric skyrocket after the OCA files Ballot Measure 9.
8: St. Matthews Catholic Church
An attack on a Hillsboro church exposes Oregon’s KKK past.
9: Murders in Salem
Culminating a campaign of racist and homophobic violence, two are killed in a firebombing.
10: The Oregonian
The state’s major daily publishes an unprecedented 12-part editorial series and front-page message from the publisher.
11: Just Out
The LGBTQ monthly serves as a critical source of community connection and information.
12: Grants Pass Daily Courier
The Southern Oregon paper draws death threats and public protests over its coverage of the campaign.
13: Bigot Busters
Bigot Busters aim to prevent anti-gay petition signatures and provide a gay-positive experience to those considering signing.
14: People of Faith Against Bigotry
LGBTQ people of faith and their allies help a range of denominations to take “whatever step was right for them, towards opposing discrimination and supporting equality.”
15: Rural Activism
Rural activists all over the state refuse to abandon their communities to bigotry and find innovative ways to break isolation.
16: Tom & Katie Potter
Police Chief Tom Potter and his out lesbian daughter Katie are unexpected ambassadors and allies.
17: Asian Americans Oppose 9
Leaders from a range of Asian American communities come together to stand up for LGBTQ civil rights.
18: Republicans Against Prejudice
Oregon’s GOP establishment speaks out against Measure 9.
19: Making Fun
Satirists & performers providing a break from the deadly seriousness of Measure 9.
20: Singing for Our Lives
Lifting spirits, opening hearts.
21: Artists Against Hate
Bringing national celebrity and media attention to No on 9.
22: Labor Organizing
Oregon’s public employee unions help lead the fight against Measure 9.
23: Educational Outreach
Videos, trainings, speakers bureaus, fact sheets, and more!
24: Walk for Love & Justice
Over 2 weeks, walking “proudly & with purpose” for 150 life-changing miles.
25: Straight But Not Narrow
Measure 9 activates a huge cross-section of straight people.
26: PFLAG
Measure 9 brings a boom to PFLAG membership.
27: Business Allies
The business community evolves from hesitant to strongly supportive in part thanks to Measure 9.
28: Towards Movement-Building Campaigns
Building a movement to secure LGBTQ rights through short-term ballot measure campaigns
29: The Lawsuit That Shuts Down the OCA
A lawsuit brought by Catherine Stauffer eventually shuts down the OCA
30: Many Voices, One Message
Voices from the 30 stories honoring the 30 years since we defeated Measure 9
Bonus Content
The Difficulty of Counting Hate Crimes
Further insights from Jeannette Pai-Espinosa and Scot Nakagawa on the policy dimensions of Measure 9’s surge in hate crimes.
The Interplay of Mainstream & Political Violence
Further insights from our conversation with Scot Nakagawa on the surge in hate crimes.
A Former Chief on Police Culture
Tom Potter speaks about his support for the LGBTQ community and efforts to change police culture during his tenure as a Police Officer, Chief of Police, and Mayor.
A Lesbian Cop on Police Culture
Katie Potter speaks about coming out publicly as a lesbian cop and her 27 years of experiencing both the potential for, and resistance to, change within police culture.
From Lesbian Choir to Gay Men’s Chorus
Reid Vanderburgh speaks to the experience of singing first (as Nancy) with the Portland Lesbian Choir and now as a member of Portland Gay Men’s Chorus.
Portland Gay Men’s Chorus Evolves with the Times
Longtime PGMC members reflect on their evolution from 1980 to current times.
Anne Sweet on Labor Organizing & Community Education
Anne reflects on her union activism, canvassing Black barber shops and hair salons, and teaching white volunteers “how to behave.”