Fierce Families Network

Who are we?

We are a network of families who cherish our transgender children, grandchildren, and other family members. We advocate for our loved ones with the collective strength of an ever-growing network of families from every corner of Oregon.

The Fierce Families Network came to exist in late 2016 when family members of transgender Oregonians reached out to Basic Rights Oregon to take action on behalf of their loved ones and all transgender people in Oregon.

Initially, a small group of dedicated parents joined BRO in speaking at press conferences and rallies, raising money to support the work of the organization, and volunteering with BRO actions. In 2017 we lobbied legislators to help pass Oregon’s first standalone transgender justice bill. As the network has grown to include families all over the state, we have welcomed siblings, partners, grandparents, aunts, uncles, chosen family, and more.

We walk beside our loved ones in their journey, and when we’re needed we step forward to fight alongside them. We are fierce when we come together to protect and the rights of our loved ones. We empower our transgender family members to succeed and thrive.

What do we do?

Increase Access to Gender-Affirming Resources

We offer families of transgender individuals resources, education, and community to help them better support their loved ones . We proudly serve parents and family members of transgender individuals. We believe our greatest strength is in building a fierce community of love, understanding, and hope to push back against the lack of acceptance our family members face in their day-to-day lives.

Tell Our Stories

We tell our stories across the state, to other families, to school administrators, and to lawmakers. We believe that by openly sharing our stories of the love and joy in our families we can counter those who would seek to exclude the people we cherish and protect. Loving-kindness is a most powerful tool, and we proudly wield it!

Responsive Advocacy

We listen to the needs of our transgender loved ones and other transgender Oregonians, and we step in to advocate when opportunities arise. This year, among other efforts, we are working with schools and families to make sure that they understand and follow the guidelines from the Oregon Department of Education. These guidelines and legal interpretations are affirming for all LGBTQ2SIA+ youth, yet not all schools in Oregon are fully aware and fully implement these policies. Find resources from the Oregon Department of Education (and more!) here.

The BRO Fierce Families Network is working on an exciting story-sharing project. Have you or a child in your life read George by Alex Gino? Have other books with trans characters written for children or teens had an impact on you? What would it have meant to you to have had books with trans characters when you were younger? Whether you are trans or cisgender, we want to hear from you. Share your story here! 

If you have a transgender family member or loved one and would like to join us, please fill out the form at this link.