Commissioner Barton currently serves as Director of Housing Services for Lavender Rights Project. They are a tireless advocate for inclusive housing opportunities for marginalized groups. Commissioner Barton is a proud mixed race Black and Filipino, transgender, non-binary, queer Washingtonian. “Being appointed to the Washington State LGBTQ Commission is an incredible honor that recognizes my dedication to our communities” said Commissioner Barton. “It empowers me to advance 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, promote inclusivity and advocate for social justice statewide. I am deeply committed to championing the rights and wellness of BIPOC gender diverse individuals and youth, addressing their specific challenges in ways that are sustainable and possible. It's my goal to foster acceptance, equity, and justice for all Washingtonians by centering the intersectional experiences of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”

Commissioner Preciado Lagdameo is a certified peer counselor currently living in Bremerton. As a community advocate, she is recognized nationwide for her leadership on understanding homelessness and mental healthcare through an intersectional lens. Commissioner Preciado Lagdameo was the first openly transgender person to run for office in Kitsap County.

The new Commissioners were appointed to fill the upcoming vacancies as Commissioners Marsha Botzer (she/her) and Agaiotupu Viena (she/her) both from King County, finish their second terms as LGBTQ Commissioners. Commissioners Botzer and Viena were part of the very first class of LGBTQ Commissioners appointed by Governor Inslee to the WA State LGBTQ Commission upon its creation in 2019. Their experience, commitment, and tireless work with 2SLGBTQIA+ Washingtonians, especially their tireless advocacy for transgender and gender expansive Washingtonians was instrumental in helping the Commission gather support for pro-trans legislation in the past few years.

In addition to the new Commissioners, Governor Inslee also reappointed Commissioners Matthew Landers (he/him – King County), Everett Maroon (he/him – Walla Walla County), and Jason Victor Serinus (he/him – Jefferson County) to a second full term.

Executive Director J. Manny Santiago said, “the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Washington is very well represented with the diversity of experiences that these five Commissioners bring to the agency. Their dedication, years of advocacy, and understanding of the realities of our communities will be instrumental in advancing protections for 2SLGBTQIA+ Washingtonians. I look forward to collaborating with them in the next three years.” He added, “I am also extremely grateful for the work, dedication, and advocacy of Commissioners Botzer and Viena. Their years of advocacy on behalf of the community are recognized by all 2SLGBTQIA+ Washingtonians. I am proud to call them collaborators, mentors, and friends. I am certain that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community will join me in wishing them the very best in their next advocacy adventures, and in thanking them for their work and service to our community.”

For more information on the WA State LGBTQ Commission, including the full bios of the current Commissioners, can be found on our website at www.lgbtq.wa.gov. 

Although June is over, Pride Season continues! Throughout the months of July and August, several communities in the state host Pride celebrations, from marches to festivals. We want to share those opportunities with our constituents. Therefore, we will continue to share with you the calendar of Pride events in Washignton in the coming months.

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.

On June 15, 2020, the Supreme Court issued a decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, which held that “sex” discrimination includes discrimination because of sexual orientation and gender identity. Following that decision, on January 20, 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order 13988 on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation, directing every federal agency to assess all agency actions taken under federal statutes that prohibit sex discrimination and to fully enforce those statutes to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

In response, on February 11, 2021, the Office of Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity (FHEO) issued a memo, Implementation of Executive Order 13988 on the Enforcement of the Fair Housing Act, directing FHEO to administer and fully enforce the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination because of sexual orientation and gender identity.

These authorities did not create a new protected class within the Act, rather they clarified that the Act’s “sex” discrimination provisions prohibit discrimination because of sexual orientation and gender identity.

To access the toolkit and all the information related to housing discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people, visit this link.

GLSEN Washington – Guide to Starting a Youth Group

New Resource Created by This Year's SHINE Team!

SHINE has concluded for the 2022-2023 school year and once again it was a great year! One of their final projects was to create an amazing resource for organizations interested in starting a youth group.

Check out this wonderful resource and guide to starting a youth group!

Marginalized communities often face similar challenges, and it is crucial that we work together to address these challenges and find common solutions. We must recognize that our struggles are interconnected and that by fighting against one form of discrimination, we can make progress in addressing others.

At this event, we'll bring together groups from around the region to connect around this common goal. Guest organizations include: AgePRIDE, Lavender Rights Project, WA State LGBTQ Commission, WA State Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander-American Affairs, Seattle Latino Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and more!

Mix & mingle and make brand new connections as you enjoy some delicious complimentary bites and a beverage.

Thursday, July 27, 2023 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Salesforce Roof Deck

Address: 744 N 34th Street, Seattle 98103

Street parking or the pay lots that surround the building in Fremont.

Access to the roof deck will be through the main front entrance of the building and through the elevators in the Main Lobby.

Gender neutral restrooms available.

For more information and registration, visit this link.

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.

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.