The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) wants to ensure that the lands they manage are safe and welcoming to all visitors, including people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities. The focus of these listening sessions is on WDFW-managed lands, including boat launches, that provide public access to lakes and rivers.

WDFW has reached out to the LGBTQ Commission to spread the word about their upcoming listening session!

When: May 6th from 4-5 PM

Where: Zoom 

How to sign up: Email Chris Korsmo for the link - chris@copperstrategic.com

*WDFW is especially looking to hear from people in King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan counties.*

Your input will help inform recommendations to ensure everyone feels safe and included and can enjoy our public lands and waters! Participants will receive a $50 gift card. 

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 Pride this year. You can also use the QR code in the image. Feel free to share this link and QR code with agencies around your area who are planning events to celebrate and honor our community.

The LGBTQ Commission reserves the right to publish the information of the event, and here are some guidelines we will follow in making our decision on what events will be published:

• Events that go against the mission, vision, and values of the LGBTQ Commission will not be publish on the calendar.
• Only community events will be accepted for publication. No commercial events at bars, clubs, restaurants, or paid venues will be accepted for publication. (It’s OK if a community event has an entrance fee.)
• Political, partisan, and religious events will not be accepted for publication.
• Acceptance for publication of an event on the Commission’s calendar does not constitute endorsement, support, or sponsorship of such event on the part of the Commission, its staff, Commissioners, or affiliated agencies.

Join QLaw, Lavender Rights Project, Gender Justice League, Queer Power Alliance, and Legal Council for Youth and Children for a webinar to discuss Initiative 2081, also known as the "Parents' Bill of Rights". It was passed during the 2024 Washington legislative session and will become law on June 6th.

Monday, April 22nd, from 6-8pm PDT they will answer your questions, discuss protecting queer and Trans youth moving forward, and more.

This Zoom event will be moderated by QLaw Foundation, Rebekah Gardea (Co-ED of Community Advocacy and Outreach), and is hosted by QLaw, Lavender Rights Project, Gender Justice League, Queer Power Alliance, and Legal Counsel for Youth and Children.

RSVP Required: RSVP Here

Save The Dates!

The Say It Out Loud (SIOL) Conference began in 2001 to provide space for education, networking, and sharing knowledge to improve care and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, families, and our communities. All are welcome. Attendees have included professionals serving all ages and populations, non-profit agencies who serve 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and families, behavioral and mental health, substance use, child welfare, education, criminal justice, etc. Interpreter Services and Captioning Provided.

Dates: May 19 - 20, 2024

Location: Yakima Convention Center - 10 N 8th Street, Yakima, WA 98901

Registration ($100) opens in February!

Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at the 2024 SIOL Conference? Email us at contactus@sayingitoutloud.org

Interested in speaking at this year's conference? Call for Proposals now open!

For more information on call for proposals click here.

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.