August 15, 2022 Newsletter

Connect with the Commission

Welcome Newly Appointed Commissioners Nick Franco and Abigayle Coleman!

The Washington State LGBTQ Commission welcomes Nick Franco (they/them/theirs – Spokane County) and Abigayle Coleman (they/them/theirs – Clark County) as the newly appointed Commissioners for position 12 and 15, respectively. Commissioners Franco and Coleman were appointed by Governor Inslee to serve a full, three-year term which ends in 2025.

Commissioner Franco, who identifies as an Afro-Latinx nonbinary person, works in higher education, serving as Associate Vice President for Student Equity, Belonging, and Voice at Eastern Washington University. As a certified DEI consultant, Commissioner Franco has helped many organizations to grow in equity and diversity. They obtained a PhD in organizational leadership from the University of San Diego. Originally from California, they have been living in Spokane since 2015, serving their community through volunteering with several LGBTQ organizations in the area. Their expertise in higher education, leadership development, and community organizing will undoubtedly help advance the mission of the LGBTQ Commission.

Commissioner Coleman is of mixed-race descent with ancestors from Mexico, the Philippines, Chiricahua Apache, and Ireland. Growing up in a military family and having survived severe racial bullying, they committed themselves to work for social justice and equity. Commissioner Coleman served as intern for US Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) in 2020. They currently work as Legal Office Assistance for the Vancouver regional branch of the Office of the Washington State Attorney General. They have also been an active participant in the Latino Leadership Network, a statewide business resource group for Latin/a/o/x state employees, and has participated of panels and discussions centering the intersection of Latin/a/o/x and LGBTQ identities. Commissioner Coleman’s experience exploring intergenerational trauma, intersectional identities, and safety for BIPOC LGBTQ folk in Washington will be great additions to the work of the Commission. The Washington State LGBTQ Commission is delighted to welcome Commission Nick Franco and Commissioner Abigayle Coleman and look forward to working with them to accomplish our statutory goal of improving the interface between Washington state and its LGBTQ residents. If you want to read the full profiles of our new Commissioners, please visit the Commissioner’s page on our website found here.

Opportunities for the Community

Get answers to your questions about Monkeypox virus (MPV): Call 1-833-829-HELP

Washington 211 call takers can provide information and answer questions on MPV; assistance is available in 240 languages OLYMPIA – People across Washington can now call 1-833-829-HELP for the latest information on Monkeypox virus (MPV). This call center is an expansion of DOH’s efforts to provide information to Washingtonians. Two weeks ago, DOH activated their Incident Management Team (IMT) to dedicate their time and efforts to the growing cases of MPV. Through an ongoing partnership with Washington 211, call takers will answer questions about MPV risk factors, vaccine information, testing and treatment from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday, and 6:00 a.m.to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and observed state holidays. In addition to calling 1-833-829-HELP, callers can continue to dial 1-800-525-0127 and press # to be transferred to a Washington 211 specialist. Language assistance is available in 240 languages. Call takers will not be able to schedule vaccine appointments. “As we navigate the MPV outbreak in Washington state, we cannot underestimate the need for our community members to address their questions and concerns,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. “We are pleased to partner with 211 to meet this crucial need.” The best thing you can do to protect yourself against MPV is to know the risks and take precautions. Despite misinformation, we want to be clear that anyone who has close contact with a person with an infectious rash can get MPV; it is not exclusive to any community. MPV can also spread through touching objects, fabrics and surfaces that have been used by someone with MPV, and contact with respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact. If you have an unexplained rash, cover it, avoid skin-to-skin contact with others, and see a health care provider. They will determine what testing and treatment may be available. If you’ve been exposed to someone with MPV, contact a health provider or your local health jurisdiction to discuss whether you are eligible for vaccination. More information is available on the Washington State Department of Health MPV information page. The DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for the DOH blog, Public Health Connection.

Inslee issues directive for monkeypox virus (MPV) plan of action

Gov. Jay Inslee today issued Directive 22-18 to expand upon the Washington State Department of Health’s (DOH) ongoing efforts to prevent and control the spread of the monkeypox virus (MPV). MPV has spread across several countries, and the U.S. has been tracking MPV since the first U.S. case was confirmed on May 17, 2022. As of August 11, 2022, there are approximately 10,768 cases of MPV in the U.S. and 254 cases in Washington.    Although rarely fatal, MPV can be extremely painful and scarring. There are existing vaccines to help prevent infection and reduce the severity of illness. There are currently no known deaths due to this virus in Washington, however this outbreak is an evolving serious public health concern. It is critical that DOH continues to utilize every tool at its disposal to prevent and control the spread of this virus.  As a result of this evolving public health concern, the directive orders DOH to take a broad range of actions, including: Conducting comprehensive public outreach and education within appropriate communities; Prioritizing equitable distribution of existing treatments; Supporting provider education to ensure MPV vaccine is maximized; Monitoring case counts and demographic data; Convening a series of roundtables with key stakeholders and legislators; Working with and supporting local health jurisdictions; and Maintaining adequate testing capacity and addressing identified reporting gaps. "Public health is at stake and we must continue to protect Washingtonians and do what we can to help control the spread of monkeypox. Thank you to our Department of Health for taking these actions," said Inslee. Directive 22-18.

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

Participate in NIDILRR’s Virtual Stakeholder Listening Sessions

The Administration for Community Living’s National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) is developing its 2024–2029 Long-Range Plan and wants to hear from you. Mandated by Congress to develop a Long-Range Plan every five years, the agency aims to continue to be responsive to the needs of key stakeholders—especially people living with disabilities. Learn more about NIDILRR at acl.gov/NIDILRR. Stakeholders can provide input for the Long-Range Plan in the following two ways: Sign up for a virtual listening session! NIDILRR is planning a series of six virtual listening sessions to engage with different types of stakeholders. All sessions will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET. Session 1: NIDILRR Grantees Thursday, August 18th Session 2: Disability Groups and Advocacy Organizations Tuesday, September 13th Session 3: Individuals with Disabilities and Those Supporting Them (e.g., Family Members) Wednesday, September 28th Session 4: Direct Service Providers and Other Researchers (Non-NIDILRR Grantees) Wednesday, October 12th Session 5: General Thursday, October 20th Session 6: General Thursday, October 27th Register here to participate in a virtual listening session. Submit written comments to NIDILRRFuture@neweditions.net Stakeholders can submit comments to NIDILRR via this email address. NIDILRR will review all comments and incorporate feedback into the Long-Range Plan as appropriate. This email inbox will be open from August 1, 2022 to November 21, 2022. For additional details, please go to: http://www.neweditions.net/meeting/ nidilrr-2024-2029-long-range-plan. Department of Health & Human Services USA; ACL Administration for Community Living; NiDILRR National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research

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!!

• If you have questions or experience technical issues, please contact the team at: HCASGIoutreach@hca.wa.gov

Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from you! Please share this survey widely with your networks.

CALL FOR COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENT AND APPLICATION 

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is excited to announce the formation of a Community Advisory Committee to support and oversee the development of an Environmental Justice Community Participation Fund Grant program. The aim of this program is to award a $400,000 pass-through grant to a statewide community-based environmental justice organization for the creation of an Environmental Justice Community Participation Fund. This Fund will be used to allocate smaller funds to other community-based organizations around Washington State to support meaningful participation and engagement with the Environmental Justice Council and state agencies around the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act.  DOH recognizes that community leadership is a core principle of environmental justice and is central to the intention and spirit of the HEAL Act. As such, DOH is seeking Community Advisory Committee members to co-develop the process for awarding funding, reviewing applications, and selecting a final awardee.  For more information and to apply to be a part of the Advisory Committee, please visit their webpage found here.

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.

Washington State BizFair – Save the Date!

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

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.

Interested in serving on Commissions and Boards?

Pizza Klatch in Olympia is looking for board members! APPLY TO BECOME A BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE A Member at Large of the Pizza Klatch Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that Pizza Klatch fulfills its mission by planning for the future, monitoring operations, and evaluating the organization’s performance. Board Members provide guidance by actively contributing to Pizza Klatch's culture, strategic focus, effectiveness, and financial sustainability as well as serve as ambassadors and advocates for Pizza Klatch and its mission. Interested in becoming a Board Member at large for Pizza Klatch, Apply Here!

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.

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.