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August 1, 2022 Newsletter
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Connect with the Commission
Welcome to Commissioner Jason Victor Serinus!
The Washington State LGBTQ Commission welcomes Jason Victor Serinus (he/him/his – Jefferson County) as the newly appointed Commissioner, position 4. Commissioner Serinus was appointed to serve for the remainder of the term left vacant by former Commissioner Dr. Karen Fredriksen Goldsen who is currently on Sabbatical leave from the University of Washington - Seattle.
Commissioner Serinus brings a wealth of experience in direct action advocacy for people living with HIV and is the founder of the New Haven (CT) Gay Liberation Front. While living on the east coast, Commissioner Serinus participated in the first three “Christopher Street Liberation Day Parades”, which were organized after the historic Stonewall Rebellion in New York City and are the precursors of today’s Pride Marches in the city and around the world.
In 2014, Commissioner Serinus and his husband moved to Jefferson County, WA, from San Francisco, CA. He has written and led workshops on a holistic approach to HIV/AIDS patient care and continues to be a contributor to several newspapers and magazines. He currently writes reviews of opera performances for local and national newspapers.
You can read more about Commissioner Serinus through the Commission’s webpage here. The Washington State LGBTQ Commission is excited to welcome Commissioner Serinus and looks forward to working with him in advancing LGBTQ rights and protections in our state.
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Opportunities for the Community
 August 6, 2022 Muckleshoot Casino Resort *Best Luau of the Year* Le Nofo The Rise of the Throne. Tickets at www.utopiawa.org/luau Utopia Washington. Thank you to our sponsors: Alaska Airlines; Caddell's laser & electrolysis; Dave Upgrove King County Council-Dist 5; Epic Pa Is A Polynesian; Molina Healthcare, HealthPoint; CDA; UCLU Washington
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Take Action! U.S. Department of Education Receiving Public Comments on Rulemaking
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Education (Department) proposes to amend the regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). The purpose of the proposed regulations is to better align the Title IX regulatory requirements with Title IX's nondiscrimination mandate, and to clarify the scope and application of Title IX and the obligation of all schools, including elementary schools, secondary schools, postsecondary institutions, and other recipients that receive Federal financial assistance from the Department (referred to below as recipients or schools) to provide an educational environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex, including through responding to incidents of sex discrimination. The Department recognizes that schools vary in size, student populations, and administrative structure. The proposed regulations would enable all schools to meet their obligations to comply fully with Title IX while providing them appropriate discretion and flexibility to account for these variations.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 12, 2022.
ADDRESSES: Comments must be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov.
The Department will not accept comments by fax or by email, or comments submitted after the comment period closes. To ensure that the Department does not receive duplicate copies, please submit your comments only once. Additionally, please include the Docket ID at the top of your comments.
For more information and submit your comments, please visit this website.
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Help Agencies in Washington Create Better Policies to Collect LGBTQ+ Sex and Gender Information
 The Washington State Health and Human Services Enterprise Coalition (HHS) wants to hear from you! Don’t miss this opportunity to share your voice and help shape future policies and processes that directly impact members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Washington.
What is the HHS Coalition?
The HHS Coalition is a multi-agency partnership that includes the Department of Children, Youth & Families, Department of Health, Department of Social and Health Services, Washington Health Benefit Exchange, and the Health Care Authority. The HHS Coalition focuses on technology strategies that improve the health and well-being of the people, families, and communities of Washington by providing services that are equitable, accessible, and inclusive of all Washingtonians.
What is the HHS Coalition working on?
The HHS Coalition workgroup is currently reviewing the processes for collecting sex and gender identity information and engaging with members of the LGBTQ+ community in Washington. Results from this review will be used to inform policy and data collection methods among coalition agencies. The workgroup has launched a survey to engage with gender diverse communities to ensure that outcomes and solutions are informed by impacted communities.
How can I help?
- Complete the survey at: https://redcap.doh.wa.gov/surveys/?s=CM4RWNTKJM
- Share the survey link with individuals, groups, and organizations you feel may have an interest in this work.
- In order to protect the integrity of the survey we ask that you do not post the survey link on social media.
- If you wish to promote the survey via social media channels, please use the following language, only:
The Washington State Health and Human Services Enterprise Coalition (HHS) wants to hear from you!
Don’t miss this opportunity to share your voice and help shape future policies and processes that directly impact members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Washington. Please contact HCASGIoutreach@hca.wa.gov for a link to the survey!!
Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from you! Please share this survey widely with your networks.
Black Pride Pacific Northwest 2022 – August 18-22
 BLACK PRIDE pacific northwest PRESENTS BLACK PRIDE 2022 - I Identify, We Unify, Let's Black Pride August 18-21//Seattle, WA A weekend for everyone including workshops, paint and sip, a dating game, Sage dinner, 3 parties, and a health and wellness festival. - FEATURING - Sevndeep * RIKO WITH A K * NEVERENDING NINA * The Jacob Drummond * Saffron Volt * Ladie Chablis * Julian Lanvin * Koach T * Lamont White * Edens Garden Series * Autry Bell * Bobbi K * Javae' * Regine Dynasty * Steven Sawyer - Sponsors: DESC - POCAAN - BECU - GILEAD - NORDSTROM - AHF (AIDS Healthcare Foundation) - AARTH (African Americans Reach & Teach Health Ministry) - FRED HUTCH - LAVENDER RIGHTS PROJECT - www.nwblackpride.org
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Washington State Department of Transportation - Capacity Building Mentorship
Learn how underrepresented firms can qualify to perform work on transportation-related projects.
The Washington State Department of Transportation’s Capacity Building Mentorship Program works to grow the capacity of Minority, Women, Small, Veteran or Women’s Businesses Enterprises through relationships and technical assistance. The program pairs prime contractors and consultants, or mentors, with owners of firms who are certified by the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises or registered as a small or veteran’s business, or protégés.
To learn more about this program, visit this link.
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Help Agencies in Washington Create Better Policies to Collect LGBTQ+ Sex and Gender Information
 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
As of July 16th 2022 you can call, text, or chat 988 to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL). It will be confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.
Services will be available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 250 languages. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
You can dial 988 if you are having:
- Thoughts of suicide.
- Mental health crises.
- Substance use crises.
- Any other kind of emotional distress.
You can also dial 988 if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
988 will not replace any crisis call centers in Washington state. It is an addition to the state’s network of crisis center providers. The current NSPL number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), will remain active along with 988.
For more information about this new helpline, visit the Washington Department of Health through this link.
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 HOLD THE DATE!
26th annual WASHINGTON STATE BizFair – Hybrid Event
8am – 5pm Saturday, September 24th, 2022
In-person attendance at Renton Technical College, Renton, WA Each fall, the small business ecosystem in WA comes together to put on BizFair, the longest running all government and non-profit run free small business fair in Washington state. It is an opportunity for thousands of current & aspiring small business owners to:
BE INSPIRED by a keynote speaker that has successfully traversed the small business path and shares their story of perseverance. Last year it was Joe Fugere of Tutta Bella sharing his story of Resilience and Thriving.
MEET with mentors, advisors, trainers, educators, fellow small business owners and entrepreneurs.
LEARN from savvy business experts who will share their knowledge and real-life experiences.
CONNECT with federal, state, and local government agencies for assistance related to business and/or getting contract opportunities.
FIND OUT how non-profit organizations can help you with funding, legal support, and more.
NETWORK with Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Authorities, and statewide Business Associations.
BizFair 2022 will be a hybrid event with both in-person and virtual attendees having the same event experience.
NO COST TO ATTEND – Registration coming soon, watch for updates at www.bizfair.org
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 RCF: Regional Contracting Forum SAVE THE DATE
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2022
2022 REGIONAL CONTRACTING FORUM
IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE ONLY
MUCKLESHOOT EVENT CENTER, 2402 AUBURN WAY S, AUBURN
CONNECTING SMALL BUSINESSES AND CONTRACTORS TO STATE AND LOCAL
AGENCIES, SCHOOL DISTRICTS, TRANSPORTATION AGENCIES, AND VARIOUS
ORGANIZATIONS. DISADVANTAGED, MINORITY, SMALL, VETERAN, AND
WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.
MORE INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON.
COVID precautions event-wide in effect per requirements of Washington State, County, and/or
local jurisdiction requirements. In King County, proof of vaccination and masks are required at all
times. Medical/religious exemptions are not allowed. A negative COVID test within 72 hours of the
event can be used in lieu of religious/medical exemptions.
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Interested in serving on Commissions and Boards?
Monthly Upcoming Appointment Opportunities
Washington is home to vibrant communities and diverse Washingtonians who all have unique talents, skills and experiences. Governor Inslee places a high priority on boards, commissions, and agencies that are reflective of the diverse make-up of Washington and that utilize the impressive talent of Washingtonians. We are always seeking skilled and experienced individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds to participate in boards and commissions ensuring an effective and representative government.
We are excited to share the highlighted Current and Upcoming Gubernatorial Appointment Opportunities.
As someone with deep roots in your respective communities and organizations, we hope that you will share these opportunities. Anyone interested in being appointed will need to fill out this Application. Please explore the Boards and Commissions Profiles if you are interested in learning more about the many opportunities to get involved!
Thank you for your assistance in helping Governor Inslee find well-rounded candidates with significant talent and diverse experiences. Please feel free to reach out to Boards and Commissions staff with any questions you might have. Thank you for your time.
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Jobs Opportunities for LGBTQ Washingtonians
Check out the list of job opportunities for the community on our Careers Opportunities page by visiting this link.
We are excited to share job postings sent to the LGBTQ Commission. There are three requirements to be included on our page:
- The job needs to be able to be done in Washington State (virtual works)
- The business must have an inclusivity and/or equal opportunity statement
- The job posting must include a salary range.
Please send any job opportunity to share with the community to our Program Manager, Tracey Carlos (she/her) to tracey.carlos@lgbtq.wa.gov
Have something you want to share in our newsletter? Please send any submissions to Tracey Carlos, Program Manager, at tracey.carlos@lgbtq.wa.gov
Deadline for all submissions is Thursdays by 12:00 PM Pacific Time.
Published Monday mornings.
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