June 5, 2023 Newsletter

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Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag Raised on Capitol Campus

On Thursday, June 1, 2023, the WA State LGBTQ Commission and RAIN hosted the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. Former LGBTQ Commissioner and Two-Spirit member of the Nisqually Tribe, Josette Ross, opened the ceremony with a land acknowledgement that reaffirms the LGBTQ Commission’s commitment to work in collaboration with indigenous communities as well as recognizing their sovereignty and the history of colonialism and subjugation that all indigenous nations still experience.

Commissioner Michelle (KB) Kelly-Barroga, co-chair of the LGBTQ Commission, welcomed the people gathered and called for solidarity with our trans, gender expansive, and LGBTQ youth. Jasper Marino, co-chair of the statewide business resource group, RAIN, shared their own experience of both discrimination and affirmation for their trans identity. Jasper also reminded us of the precarious situation of so many trans and gender expanding community members throughout the USA. Senator Emily Randall brought greetings from the Legislative branch and the WA State LGBTQ Legislative Caucus. She also shared about her experience in Kitsap County, supporting students organize for their own local celebrations of Pride. Justice Mary Yu, the first openly lesbian and LGBTQ person to be on the WA State Supreme Court, shared her hopes for a government system that reflects the reality of the communities they serve.

The celebration was closed by J. Manny Santiago, director of the WA State LGBTQ Commission, who reminded the crowd gathered that the opposition continues to attack the LGBTQ community in our state. He also spoke of the need to continue strengthening the current laws that protect our community and the work that is still ahead. Governor Jay Inslee closed the ceremony by reminding people of the many actions his administration has taken to advance LGBTQ rights in the state, including protections for gender-affirming care for youth, support for survivors of sex trafficking, and protections for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness, among other actions.

If you could not be at the ceremony in person and want to watch the video, you can access it through this link on TVW.

Photo credit to Laura Anglin Top left to right: Commission Co-Chair Michelle KB speaking, Commissioner Marsha Botzer helping raise Pride flag, 2nd row left: RAIN Business Resource Group Co-Chair Jasper Marino speaking, 2nd row right: Senator Emily Randall speaking, Bottom row left to right: Justice Mary Yu speaking, Governor Jay Inslee starting to raise the Pride flag, WA State LGBTQ Commission Executive Director J. Manny Santiago

June is Pride Month in Washington state

June is LGBTQ Pride Month, and Gov. Jay Inslee joined state employees and community leaders on Thursday to help raise a celebratory flag over the Washington State Capitol. Inslee raised the Capitol’s first Pride flag in 2015, and the flag-raising has become a tradition ever since. It symbolizes the steady march of progress toward equality and justice for all.

“I think the fact that you can be who you are and love who you will is one of the most beautiful things about the state of Washington,” said Inslee. “And I am glad to live in a time where we’ve made so much progress.”

To read the full article follow this link

Words from Commissioner Steven Sawyer at the 2023 Seattle Pride Flag Raising Ceremony

Thanks to the City, Mayor Harrell and his teams, the office of Civil Right, and the Seattle LGBTQ Commission. OUR HISTORY  The Pride movement has been a longstanding fight for equity and justice for the LGBTQAI2+ community. In the streets of New York on a late summer night in 1969, the first brick was thrown to launch the Stonewall Uprising. The uprising marked a new turning point for LGBTQ+ activism and liberation in the United States.  The Black LGBTQ+ community also has been at the forefront of Pride movements throughout history, including Stonewall. Leaders like Stormé DeLarverie (De-Lav-e-a), Marsha P. Johnson, Bayard Rustin, Gladys Bentley, Lorraine Hansberry, Alvin Ailey, and James Baldwin challenged societal “norms” and inspired generations that followed to speak truth to power in community.  Their contributions have often been erased or downplayed in mainstream narratives, but it is important to acknowledge their bravery and resilience…standing up against police brutality and discrimination.  OUR CAUSE  Despite the advancements we’ve seen in cultural norms, the fight continues today. The intersection of race, gender, and sexuality has been made even more apparent in the wake of recent movements, from the Black Lives Matter movement to the fight against hundreds of hate bills that create dangerous environments for our community.  We see how strides toward equity have not been shared by all members of the LGBTQ+ community.  Today, there’s a rise in the anti-LGBTQ bills, from binary bathroom laws to anti-drag bills.  Racial disparities persist, with black and brown LGBTQ+ individuals too often facing additional layers of discrimination and marginalization. As such, the new fight for Equity in the LGBTQ+ movement must center on a comprehensive understanding of intersectionality. This means recognizing how different aspects of identity overlap and impact individuals' experiences of oppression. It also means acknowledging the ways in which white supremacy, anti-blackness, and patriarchy have perpetuated discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, particularly those who are black, brown and/or trans. OUR FIGHT  Pride must be a “celebration AND a demonstration". We must celebrate with events like today’s flag raising and the upcoming Pride parade. But we must continue demonstrations that unveil the need for greater equity in areas such as employment, housing, healthcare, and education. Until we’re all safe, no one’s safe. Until we’re all free to be our true selves, no one’s free. As we continue to push for progress in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, it is crucial that we center and uplift voices from all communities, especially those who have historically been silenced.  The journey toward true equality and equity for all members of the LGBTQ+ community will be a long one. It will require continued activism and engagement, as well as deep introspection and commitment to change.  However, by centering intersectionality in the fight for equity, we can begin to build a movement that is truly encompassing and just.  Let’s continue to work together for the improvement of all our communities.

Check out the Calendar of Pride Events Throughout Washington

The WA State LGBTQ Commission has curated a calendar of 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride events throughout the state. You can find events in your area by visiting the Calendar Page on our website here. If you know of an event that is not yet on our calendar, 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.

Opportunities for the Community

Guidance: Protecting Pride Events from Armed Extremist Activity

The Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown Law has put together a guide to help 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride organizations combat armed and paramilitary forces threatening their Pride Month events. You can access this comprehensive guide through this link: https://www.law.georgetown.edu/icap/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2023/05/Pride-Guidance-5.17.23.pdf As violent groups threatened the safety of our communities, this is important information to have at hand and to share with our community.

Youth voices needed to help name Washington’s new youth helpline

Washington State is working to create a youth safety and well-being line available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to address a spectrum of youth safety & well-being concerns and connect youth with appropriate resources. This survey will dive deeper into the name itself and help us understand what youth like. This survey will take about 10 minutes to complete. This survey will run through June 9, 2023.  Any questions, please contact the Youth Program team at youth program@atg.wa.gov

Office of Equity – Community Advisory Board Application 2023

The Office of Equity is seeking a courageous and unapologetic champion of equity and anti-racism to advance belonging and justice in Washington state. We desire partners who questions what is, to help find solutions for what can be.

The Board's role: The Community Advisory Board will work to identify policy and system barriers in State Government and provide recommendations and priorities to the Office of Equity.

All Washingtonians are welcome to apply: We are especially looking for those who haven't had the chance to participate in influencing State Government processes. Specifically, those that been targeted by anti-blackness, xenophobia, settler colonialism, and other forms of oppression.

The office will prioritize applicants who have been or are currently directly impacted by any of the following: (please note the list is not exhaustive)

Washington State Office of Equity Invites you to apply: Community Advisory Board Members Needed Term commitment 2 or 3 years Must be living in Washington 18+ $ Volunteer stipends available to those who qualify $ What the board does: Starting with a group of 11, you'll work withour project managers to lay the groundwork for the board, and partner and make Washington the first belonging state. Seeking people with lived experience (such as): * Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) * 2SLGBTQ+ * People with Disabilities * Sex Workers * Unhoused * Low Income * Single Parents * Living with Addiction * Formerly Incarcerated * Survivors of Domestic Violence * Fostercare/Child Removal * Indian Boarding Schools * People who are Undocumented * Survivors of Trafficking Questions? cab@equity.wa.gov Angela: 360-701-0473 Omar: 360-480-1656 English: www.equity.wa.gov/cab Espanol: www.equity.wa.gov/cabesp

Impacted communities

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color    

Formerly Incarcerated             

Intimate Partner Violence      

Homeless/Houseless  

On Probation/Parole 

Single Parent  

Eviction            

Living with Addiction

Neurodivergent           

Indian Boarding Schools          

Domestic Violence      

Living with a Disability             

Undocumented           

Sex Trafficking

Immigrant/Refugee/Asylee    

Foster Care

Sex Work                                                                                              

Accessibility, Accommodations, and Digital Equity: If selected, staff is committed to eliminating barriers to access and participation. Including, but not limited to:

Accessibility, Accommodations, and Digital Equity

Language and Translation Services    

Childcare and/or Adultcare    

Vision Aids

ASL (American Sign Language)            

Religious Accommodations (e.g Holy Days, Sabbath)             

Transportation

Mobility needs (wheelchair/crutches/cane/walker) 

Dietary Needs

Sensitivity to Fragrances

To learn more about the Community Advisory Board and to submit your application, visit the Office of Equity webpage here.

The Black Trans Comedy Showcase – Lavender Rights Project Fundraiser

It’s about that time again! Please join us for a much, much needed night of laughter, community, and resistance while we fundraise for Black trans liberation! There will be light refreshments, raffle prizes, opportunities to interact with performers (bring yall’s tips!), and so much more! Come ready to donate as you learn about LRP’s work to protect Black trans life in Washington State and beyond! Get your tickets now to start off your Pride season the right way—with us—at Lavender Rights Project’s Black Trans Comedy Showcase 2023! It’s going to be a Ki!

This year, the iconic star herself, TS Madison, is hosting our night of laughter with Mx. Dahlia Belle, KJ Whitehead, and a performance by the local queen herself, Beyonce Black St. James!

Accessibility Information for Our Event

• ADA Wheelchair Seating Available Upon Request
• Masks required unless you are eating or drinking
• ASL Interpretation

For more information and tickets, visit this link.

Funding Opportunities – Services for People Living With HIV

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. Ryan White RFA ($21 million available per year):  Focused on client services and service delivery to people living with HIV in Washington.  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.

Save the Date: Two-Spirit Gathering in Spokane Falls

Image: Stylized sun, feather and water on yellow backgroup with QR Code, Spectrum Center logo, Spokane Pride logo Text: FREE Open to the public JUNE 9TH 2023. First date of Spokane Pride 1pm-8pm PST Riverfront Park @ The Lilac Bowl 507 N Howard St Spokane, WA 99201 QR Code link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2aCJDLLcb8jhqX9RXUhpVcroKFWnItOLCe2UzyoSXfUQHyQ/viewform

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.

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.