Women's and Gender Studies: Focus on: Oregon

Gender Studies History in Oregon

early 20th century women suffrage activists

Women's suffrage activists gathered in Laurelhurst Park in Portland, Oregon, 1905. Source: Oreg. Hist. Soc. Research Lib., ba019208

History of Measure 9 in Oregon

Thirty years ago, battle lines were drawn across Oregon through an unprecedented series of 35 anti-gay ballot measures. Today we see a proliferation of anti-LGBTQ+ bills in state houses across the country. Teachers are threatened for teaching about Black, Brown and Queer lives. Families are threatened for affirming their childrens’ gender identities. This panel tells stories of how Oregonians mobilized 30 years ago to defeat hate and build a stronger statewide movement to defend everyone’s democratic rights. Join No on 9 organizers and long-time movement leaders as they present No on 9 Remembered: a look back at the intersectional movement that defeated Measure 9.

Source: American LGBTQ Museum

Oregon Historical Society resources

Marie Equi

Marie Equi was an early female physician in Oregon and a champion for the working class. US Attorney for Oregon once said, "She's the most dangerous radical on the west coast" During the early 1900s, Dr. Marie Equi was among the pioneering female physicians in Oregon focusing on the health of women and children. Fiercely independent she was a radical activist for the working class, lived openly as a lesbian and championed reproductive rights and civil liberties for all.

source: OPB Oregon Experience

Women and LGBTQ history in Oregon

Queer history in Oregon

Gay Pride parade in front of the Portland Oregon sign

source: Portland Monthly Magazine