The Washington State LGBTQ Commission and the Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network Business Resource Group are so excited to announce the date of the annual raising of the pride flag at the state capitol! This celebration is free and open to the public. Hear from speakers from the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, including Governor Jay Inslee. This marks the third year of Washington state raising the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag – we became the first state to do so in 2022. This flag celebrates the diversity of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Please join us June 13^th at 12pm at the flag circle between the State Capitol and the Temple of Justice – 416 Sid Snyder Ave SW, Olympia, WA. Following the pride flag raising, there will be a reception in the Helen Sommers Building – 106 11^th Ave SW, Olympia, WA. This reception is open to the public, RSVP required. Click here to RSVP for the reception.

Can’t make it to Olympia? You can watch the pride flag raising ceremony live on TVW!

We hope you can join us!

Yakima Pride is a non-profit organization “dedicated to supporting and empowering the LGBTQIA+ community in the Yakima Valley and Central Washington”. The Commission had the chance to hear from Yakima Pride about the wonderful work they do at our May public meeting and also were able to collaborate with Yakima Pride on a youth advisory council application party to spread the word about our new youth council to youth in the Yakima Valley. Some of Yakima Pride’s work includes hosting the annual Rainbow Prom for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in Yakima, hosting the annual Yakima Pride Parade and Festival, building an inclusive LGBTQ+ library through the “Reading is for Everyone” initiative, painting rainbow crosswalks downtown and so much more. We invite you to learn more about Yakima Pride on their website here. 

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 Peer Seattle for an event to honor, celebrate and remember the LGBTQ+ Veterans who served in the armed forces. There will be food, games, non-alcoholic drinks, and speakers.

Come to remember those who served their country and honor their service.

May 27^th, 12-4pm

Peer Seattle – 1520 Bellevue Ave Ste 100, Seattle, WA

MultiCare’s team of BIPOC and queer researchers is leading paid conversations to explore bisexual Women of Color’s experiences across perinatal healthcare (healthcare during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum). Sharing your story can help advance health equity and reproductive justice for our community! All folks who participate will be compensated $50.

To learn more or sign up to participate, complete the interest form at https://redcap.link/ThriveInterview or reach out to Deana Williams at HealthEquityResearch@multicare.org.

The US Department of Justice Community Relations Service, CRS serves as “America’s Peacemaker” by facilitating understanding and improving communication in communities facing conflict and developing communities’ ability to independently prevent and resolve future conflicts.

USDOJ CRS recently reached out to the LGBTQ Commission to share their resources and Fact Sheet, which you can view here. They provide services to civil rights groups, community groups, law enforcement, faith-based groups, federal, state and local government, and private and public organizations to resolve community conflicts and tensions and prevent and respond to alleged hate crimes committed on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and disability. Visit their website at www.justice.gov/crs

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.