The Washington State LGBTQ+ Survey is now LIVE!

This first-of-its-kind statewide survey aims to understand the characteristics and experiences of LGBTQ+ people in the state of Washington. The research is funded by the Washington LGBTQ Commission and is being designed for LGBTQ+ Washingtonians by LGBTQ+ Washingtonians by a queer research team at Washington State University. The LGBTQ Commission will use the findings to inform their policy recommendations to the Office of the Governor and the Washington State Legislature. Survey participants will be eligible for raffle drawings.

For more information and frequently asked questions, visit https://lgbtq.wa.gov/survey.

Follow our survey team’s social media! @walgbtqsurvey on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X

Happy Pride!

Washington state is among the worst in the nation for the gender pay gap, a reality that stunts our state’s economy and the opportunities for 3.8 million women and girls. The Washington State Women’s Commission is on a mission to change that by bringing together state agencies and legislators with business, labor and academia to co-create solutions that enhance equity and opportunity at every stage of a woman’s career.

Join them as they launch Activate 3.8, a statewide campaign, and hear how women and families have been impacted by the wage gap, and from the leaders who are seeking change. The campaign kickoff is on Friday June 28^th, from 11am-2pm at Nectar Lounge. This Event is FREE and open to the public, click the link to RSVP !

Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for exciting updates about the launch and how you can be a direct part of Activate 3.8: The Pay Equity Tour. We hope to see you soon!

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) will host a Women Veterans Forum from 8:30 to 9:30 and a Veterans Town Hall from 10:00 to 12:30 on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Elks Lodge 1937, Long Beach.

This double event is presented by the Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) and the Women Veterans Advisory Committee (WVAC).

Women Veterans are encouraged to participate in the Women Veterans Forum to network, talk about the needs of Washington State Women Veterans in your area, and discuss how we can provide equitable access and support through ongoing outreach and engagement.  The WVAC, which has 14 members, works to ensure that women veterans in Washington have fair access to VA services and benefits provided by the federal and state. Registration for the Women Veterans Forum is requested, but not required, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-veterans-forum-tickets-901524141977

The VAAC is composed of 17 members and advises the Governor and the Director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) on issues and programs concerning veterans. If you are unable to attend in person, you can join the Town Hall livestream starting at 10am where you will have an opportunity to comment and ask questions https://www.facebook.com/wsdva

During the Veterans Town Hall, community partners and service providers will discuss how they are helping local veterans and their families.  All are welcome to attend and learn more about the programs and services available to veterans, families, and resource providers.

Visit the WDVA website at http://www.dva.wa.gov or call 1-800-562-2308 for additional information. 

ORIA (Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance) is hosting a series of Small Business Regulatory Roundtables around Washington state. The goal of these roundtables is to listen and get input on how government agencies can better support small business owners, specifically through regulatory improvements. As they tour the state, each roundtable will include representatives from different government agencies.

Topics of discussion include:

• Licensing
• Permitting
• Tax Reporting & Fees
• Regulatory Processes

For more information and to register, click the link here.

We want to hear the opinion from all Washington businesses. If you cannot attend but would like to contribute to the discussion, please take a few minutes to complete this multiple-choice survey to help us understand how we can improve.  We appreciate any feedback you can provide.

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.

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.