A RESOLUTION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-08
REGARDING DEADNAMING OF TRANSGENDER, GENDER NONCONFORMING,
& NONBINARY SIBLINGS
WHEREAS, deadnaming is the intentional or accidental use of a name no longer used by transgender or nonbinary persons; and
WHEREAS, deadnaming is being codified by state governments, local governments, and school boards as a means to not only discriminate against transgender and gender nonconforming persons, but to deny them the right to self determination: which is the right to exist and have the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness guaranteed to others; and
WHEREAS, the Biden administration has been steadfast in their support for transgender persons and issued an Executive Order on the day President Biden was sworn into office that recognizes the right of all people to be “treated with respect and dignity” and receive “equal treatment under the law, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation” and has fought back against numerous state laws attacking transgender persons; and
WHEREAS, deadnaming has the potential to cause its victims not only a lack of legal recognition, but to result in harassment, violence, and the loss of employment, housing, social stability, and life; and
WHEREAS, deadnaming leads to mental health issues, including chronic stress, depression, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideations; and
WHEREAS, deadnaming by anyone, including family, loved ones, or friends can signal or be interpreted as a lack of respect, support, or care, resulting in profound invalidation and disenfranchisement;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO) affirms its commitment to support the rights and legal recognition of transgender and nonbinary persons in taking an unequivocal stand against deadnaming within and without the Democratic Party writ large.
Section 2: The DPO brings to bear its leadership and influence in being at the vanguard of transgender and gender nonconforming rights, and highlights the push to codify the “Transgender Bill of Rights,” introduced by Senator Edward Markey of Massachusetts and Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington.
Resolution submitted by Michelle Risher, DNC Member; Miles Pendleton, Lane County; Kelie McWilliams, Rural Caucus; Carolyn McLeod, Linn County; Shani Harris-Bagwell, Stonewall Caucus; Lisa Cejka, Marion County; Michael Smith, Gun Owners Caucus; Spencer Trumm, Multnomah County; Mike Gardner, Clackamas County; Priscilla Smith, Elections Integrity Caucus; James Farley, Clackamas County; Kien Truong, Asian American and Pacific Islanders Caucus; Nathan Soltz, DPO Secretary
Forwarded to the SCC with a DO PASS Recommendation from the Platform and Resolutions Committee
