November 2024 LGBTQ Commission Newsletter

Office of the Governor / Office of Financial Management sent this bulletin at 11/08/2024 03:45 PM PST

November Newsletter

A Note from the Director

We want to acknowledge this election season has brought a dangerous and unfortunate barrage of misinformation about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and especially transgender youth. The identities and lives of the populations we serve are not up for debate. Spreading hateful misinformation causes real harm to individuals already pushed to the margins.

To our young trans and nonbinary humans, you are deeply valued. We know that you are bearing the brunt of this cruelty. There are countless people all over the state working to protect all 2SLGBTQIA+ young people that you will never know. In times of fear, my hope is that you can hold in your heart that you are not alone.

We do not want to minizine the real fear and threats to our community. But we will not be passive or silent in the face of this point in time. We are responding, strategizing, and taking action to uphold LGBTQ+ protections and rights in Washington State.

Lisa Keating, Executive Director - Washington LGBTQ Commission

“I see each and every one of you. The things that make us different, those are our superpowers — every day when you walk out the door and put on your imaginary cape and go out there and conquer the world because the world would not be as beautiful as it is if we weren’t in it.” —Lena Waithe (actress, producer, screenwriter)

Resources

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI):
- Gender- Inclusive Schools page: Read the OSPI Civil Rights Guidelines around gender identity and gender expression, guidelines around pronoun & gender designations, dress-codes and more.
  - OSPI Creating Gender-Inclusive Schools Webinar Recording & PDF guide
- Implementation of Initiative 2081 – Parents' bill of rights: Learn more about the initiative and report any questions, comments, or concerns to OSPI.
- Language Access: Check out Interpretation and Translation services.
- For more support and resources, visit opsi.k12.wa.us.
Reporting a Hate Crime to the Department of Justice
WA Attorney General Guide to Hate and Bias Crimes
HearMeWA: HearMeWA is a program for young Washingtonians up to age 25 by the WA State Attorney General’s Office. We are committed to being antiracist, trauma-informed, and youth-centered in the services we offer. Youth and youth-serving organizations are at the center of this program and help inform the work that we do. Trained crisis counselors will field all calls.
The Trevor Project
WA Healthcare Authority Crisis Information
- County Crisis Line Phone Numbers

Points of Hope and Progress

RAIN Agency Awards

The RAIN (Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network) Agency Awards were created in 2016 by Governor Inslee through Directive 16-11. Think of them as the Oscars, but for state agencies that are committed to creating a safe, diverse, and inclusive workplace for current and future LGBTQ+ employees.

These awards aren't just pretty trophies; they're a big deal. They recognize state agencies (or specific programs within agencies) that are going the extra mile to make their workplaces welcoming for LGBTQ+ folks. By shining a spotlight on these efforts, the awards not only celebrate the hard work of these trailblazers but also set a stellar example for other organizations to follow. It's like a nudge to everyone else to up their inclusivity game.

Agencies don’t get these awards just because someone felt like it. They earn them through nominations from state employees and a rigorous scoring criteria crafted by the RAIN Advisory Committee and dedicated BRG members. The selection process considers policies, trainings, HR support, and how well the agency has fostered an inclusive environment. And remember, the award highlights the agency's efforts, not perfection. There’s always room to grow!

The RAIN Agency Awards are all about celebrating the people who are making Washington State an LGBTQ+ friendly place to work. It’s a shoutout to their hard work and a nudge to keep pushing for even more inclusivity.

Upcoming Commission Events

Trans Week of Awareness Panel - November 19th

Join us on November 19th from 6-7pm over Zoom for a Transgender Awareness Panel hosted by the Washington State LGBTQ Commission and the LGBTQ Youth Advisory Council. This panel will bring together voices from the transgender community to share personal stories, insights, and experiences, highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced by transgender individuals today.

This event will feature Commissioners and members of the Youth Advisory Council, offering a unique perspective on the importance of advocacy, allyship, and the role young leaders play in shaping a more inclusive future.

Come to learn, listen, and engage in this important conversation as we work together to build a more supportive and equitable community for all.

Upcoming Recognition Days

Trans Week of Awareness November 13th-19th
Transgender Day of Remembrance November 20th
World AIDS Day December 1st

Have you taken the WA LGBTQ+ Survey?

This first-of-it's-kind survey empowers LGBTQ+ Washingtonians to share their experiences to help us build a more inclusive and supportive environment for all LGBTQ+ people across the state. PLUS - Those who complete the survey will have a chance to win one of over 300 $50 gift cards in appreciation for your time and input.

Take the survey today, and share this with your LGBTQ+ friends and family!

For more information, head to www.walgbtqsurvey.com

Take the Survey Here

Interested in serving on Commissions and Boards?

Monthly Upcoming Appointment Opportunities:

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.

Job Opportunities for LGBTQ Washingtonians

Check out the list of job opportunities for the community on our Careers Opportunities page by visiting this link.

We are excited to share job postings sent to the LGBTQ Commission. There are three requirements to be included on our page:

The job needs to be able to be done in Washington State (virtual works)
The business must have an inclusivity and/or equal opportunity statement
The job posting must include a salary range.

Please send any job opportunity to share with the community to our Executive Assistant, Sawyer Tuttle (they/them), sawyer.tuttle@lgbtq.wa.gov.

Have something you want to share in our newsletter? Please send any submissions to Sawyer Tuttle, Executive Assistant and Communications Coordinator, at sawyer.tuttle@lgbtq.wa.gov

Deadline for all submissions is the last Tuesday of the Month at 12:00 Pacific Time.

Published the first Wednesday of every month.