In the past few years communities across the nation have seen an increase on hate crimes. The US Department of Justice defines hate crime as: “a crime motivated by bias against race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability.” Anti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation in Florida, Texas, Idaho, and many other states, have emboldened hate groups and individuals to move from speech to action, with more frequent attacks to minoritized communities.

Washington is not immune to the antics of anti-LGBTQ groups and individuals. Recently, a restaurant in Richland (Benton County) planning on hosting a family drag show was vandalized after a city councilmember called for anti-2SLGBTQIA+ people to “voiced their concerns” with the owners. In Clark County, a local school district superintendent issued directives preventing faculty and staff from asking students about their pronouns and putting children in danger by instructing faculty and staff to notify parents – regardless of their support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people – if students shared pronouns or gender identity different than the ones the schools have recorded. These are only two examples of the day-to-day realities experienced by our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Washington. Acts of violence against 2SLGBTQIA+ Washingtonians continue, regardless of the legal protections already in place. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to report hate crimes.

The WA State LGBTQ Commission has engaged the local office of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), as well as the Office of the US Attorney in Western Washington to find ways to address the uptick in hate crimes. It is imperative that hate crimes be reported to these agencies as they have the resources to follow up on individual cases, recognize patterns, and address systemic threats to the specific communities targeted by these groups.

If you witness a hate crime, or if you have been victim of a hate crime because of your identity, please report it to the FB through this webpage. You can report anonymously if it’s safer for you. Also, both the Western District and the Eastern District offices of the US Attorney have ways to report on hate crimes. You can find the Western District Office of the US Attorney through this page, and the Eastern District Office of the US Attorney through this page. Let’s keep our communities safe by reporting these hate crimes and ensuring that all Washingtonians are protected from hatred and violence

Pride season is just around the corner! The WA State LGBTQ Commission wants to keep an updated calendar of Pride events throughout the state. We have created this form which you can use to let us know about any event your agency or community group is planning for this year. Feel free to share this link with agencies around your area who are planning events to celebrate and honor our community.

Commission staff and LGBTQ Commissioners would be delighted to share with our community at Pride events throughout the season. If you want to extend an invitation to the staff or Commissioners to attend your event in an official capacity, please submit your invitation through the Commission’s “Contact Us” page here.

Launched on March 21, 2023, the $250 million Yield Giving Open Call is an initiative focused on elevating organizations working with people and in places experiencing the greatest need in the United States: communities, individuals, and families with access to the fewest foundational resources and opportunities. The registration period is now open.

About the Open Call

This initiative seeks community-led, community-focused organizations whose explicit purpose is to advance the voices and opportunities of individuals and families of meager or modest means, and groups who have met with discrimination and other systemic obstacles. Organizations best suited to this initiative will enable individuals and families to achieve substantive improvement in their well-being through foundational resources. This includes, for instance, organizations providing access to health care, stable and affordable housing, education and job training, support for sustained employment, asset ownership, civic engagement, and other pathways. They may also be engaged in data collection and communication to amplify the voices of people and communities struggling against inequities.

Community-led, community-focused nonprofit organizations from across the United States and U.S. Territories are invited to apply and share the impact they have had on the abilities of individuals and families in their communities to achieve substantive improvement in their well-being.

For complete information and registration form, visit this link.

The Washington State Department of Health OID has released two RFAs for services and activities beginning January 1, 2024. Find the full RFAs and application materials here. Applications are due June 5, 2023, by 5:00 pm PST.

1. Ryan White RFA ($21 million available per year):  Focused on client services and service delivery to people living with HIV in Washington. 
2. Syndemic RFA ($6 million available per year):  Focused on client services and "syndemic" service delivery of overlapping prevention efforts (e.g., infectious disease testing, linkage and navigation services, syringe service programs) for:
   •  HIV
   • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
   • Hepatitis C
   • Infectious disease and other health consequences for people who use drugs

Submit Questions by April 18th

If you are considering applying, please take the time to read the entire application and begin compiling your questions. There is a short turnaround time for the question and answer period. If you have questions about the application, you can ask them through April 18, 2023 at 5:00 pm PST via email.  

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.