On Monday, October 9^th, the Washington State LGBTQ Commission and the Washington Secretary of State’s Office held a Lunch and Learn panel with two people who played an integral role in Washington’s LGBTQ+ history – Marsha Botzer, prominent trans activist, founder of the Ingersoll Gender Center, and former inaugural Co-Chair of the Washington State LGBTQ Commission and Majority Floor Leader Senator Jamie Pedersen of the 43^rd legislative district. This event is in celebration of Legacy Washington’s book, Love, Equally: The Journey to Marriage Equality, which explores the 10+ year history behind marriage equality in Washington state. You can learn more about the book and view the online exhibit here.

During the discussion, Pedersen and Botzer talked about their first experiences with the LGBTQ+ rights movement, the achievements they won and the setbacks that they had to face while fighting for marriage equality, the details behind some of the planning around these pivotal campaigns, and much more. The panelists took questions from the audience and offered advice on the current state of LGBTQ+ affairs given the climate of these issues around the country. The Commission would like to thank the panelists for their thoughtful conversation and sharing their important experiences with us. By opening our ears and eyes to understanding the history that came before us, we can become stronger for the fights we have ahead of us. We encourage those who were not able to attend in person to watch the recording of the conversation, available here on TVW.

Happy National Coming Out Day and kick off to the Pride Foundation Scholarship season! We’ve been watching the leaves change color and recovering from our first colds of the school season, and that means it is finally time – the Pride Foundation 2024 scholarship application is now open.

The Pride Foundation’s scholarships fund LGBTQ+ students who are leaders – in their own lives, in their families, in their home communities, in their field of study, in their workplace, or in our movements for justice. The Pride Foundation’s program provides resources to students who need to most, regardless of school, major, or GPA.

Since awarding their first scholarship in 1992, Pride Foundation has awarded over $8.5 million to 2,452 students in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Through the incredible generosity of our community, Pride Foundation has more than 60 scholarship funds – but students only need to complete one application.

Applications are due Friday, January 5, 2024, and any LGBTQ+ student who is a resident of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington state is eligible to apply. You can find out more details about the basic requirements, process, and application here.

Help us make sure every student in our region knows about the opportunity for support – please help spread the word to students in your networks – or apply yourself!

You’re invited to the 2023 RAIN Outstanding Agency Awards event! This year’s event will be hybrid, in-person and over Zoom. No registration required! If you are joining online, please use the RAIN General Membership Zoom link on your Outlook calendar.

Thank you to our sponsoring agencies: AGR, DOR, DES, DFI, DOC, DOL, ECY, L&I, WSDOT, ESD, PSP, DSHS, DRS, WSP, OIC, Equity, LCB, OFM, MIL, OII, DAHP, and WATECH!

Date: October 19^th, 2023

Time: 2-4:00 pm

Location: Labor & Industries Auditorium – 7273 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501

Entre Hermanos invites you to celebrate their 32-year anniversary at the Día De Muertos Gala! Honoring beloved ancestors and continuing the fight for LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights! Since 1991 Entre Hermans has promoted the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ Latinos in Washington State through medical case management, legal services, civic engagement, and community building. The event will have artist performances, a live auction, prizes, and much more! All event proceeds of this Gala benefit the health and well-being of the Latino LGBTQ+ Community.

Date: October 28^th, 2023

Time: 6:30pm

Location: Seattle Renaissance Hotel

November 7^th, 2023

8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Venue TBD, South Seattle Metro Area

King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and Anti-Defamation League’s Pacific Northwest Office are presenting the 2023 Public Safety Summit on Hate Crimes. KCPAO invites law enforcement and community partners to share ideas and feedback so we may provide an improved response to individuals and communities impacted by hate crimes. Coffee and lunch will be provided. Kindly RSVP to sarah.cranfill@kingcounty.gov.

MultiCare Health Systems invite bisexual women of color in Washington state to consider joining their THRIVE Community Steering Committee.

Joining the THRIVE Community Steering Committee involves:

• Committing to a two-year term that includes participating in eight meetings per year. 
• Co-creating approaches to improve bisexual Women of Color’s representation in maternal health research, so no one gets left behind.
• Contributing to the development of an anti-racist, bisexual-affirming maternal health toolkit for maternal health providers and birth workers.

To make meeting attendance easiest for a wide group of people, MultiCare Health Systems will hold all meetings virtually. Our team can help identify community spaces with free computers and WIFI access as needed. Members will be provided $75 as compensation after every meeting attended.

Those interested in becoming THRIVE Community Steering Committee members and/or learning more can reach out to Deana Williams, the study lead, at deana.williams@multicare.org or complete the intake form at https://redcap.link/JoinThrive.

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.