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