November 2025 LGBTQ Commission Newsletter

In 2024, a groundbreaking statewide survey was conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in Washington State. This pioneering research, funded by the Washington State LGBTQ Commission, was meticulously designed for LGBTQ+ Washingtonians. The survey's findings are set to play a pivotal role in shaping policy recommendations presented to the Office of the Governor and the Washington State Legislature and beyond. Survey participants were also invited to enter raffle drawings as a token of appreciation for their invaluable contributions. Through this initiative, we successfully captured diverse voices from across the state, marking a significant step forward in advocating for inclusive and equitable policies. We invite you to review the full survey report here: 2025 Washington State LGBTQ Survey Report

In observance of LGBTQ+ history month in October, I wanted to learn more about how history is made, and there is no better example of this than the rainbow crosswalks located in my hometown, Yakima, Washington. The crosswalks were installed in 2022 and are the first rainbow crosswalks on the east side of the cascades. I spoke with Joshua Hastings, president of Yakima Pride. The Yakima Pride board was responsible for working with the city of Yakima to create policy surrounding art installations in 2021. After the policy was put into place, Yakima Pride funded the rainbow crosswalks as an art installation in downtown Yakima. They obtained all the proper permits and worked closely with a city traffic engineer whose team was responsible for installing Seattle’s rainbow crosswalks. Since then, the Yakima city council have voted to have them removed after the U.S. Department of Transportation secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter to governors stating that artwork on roadways, intersections, and crosswalks pose a risk to drivers.

When I asked Joshua why the rainbow crosswalks hold so much significance, especially in a rural Washington city like Yakima, he said, “People should not have to move away to be their authentic selves - We are helping empower people’s ability to fight back and create space for themselves.” The LGBTQ+ community has shown resilience through decades of hate and bigotry. Many people have tried and failed to erase us from history. The rainbow crosswalks in Yakima are a visual representation that LGBTQ+ people exist, in Yakima and everywhere else. They remind us of the rich history LGBTQ+ people have endured. The Yakima city council is not just voting to remove artwork on asphalt; they’re voting in an attempt to erase history. Fortunately, history cannot be erased or hidden. LGBTQ+ people were here before the crosswalks, and they’ll be here after.

Despite the call to remove them, the crosswalks are still there, “They continue to tell a story about what LGBTQ+ people have gone through here. They don’t look like what they looked like when they were first installed, they’re worn, have derogatory terms written on them. They show that there is still work to be done in Yakima.” said Joshua. It is easy to look at the state of our country and be paralyzed with fear but remember that the LGBTQ+ community has fought hard and come a long way. This October, take some time to explore the trail that was blazed by those LGBTQ+ individuals before you. Don’t let anyone erase us from history. “Your existence is resistance even if you haven’t done anything yet. Lead with brave love. Know that you have a whole community behind you.” – Joshua.

Pictures: 1 - "Four rainbow crosswalks painted by Yakima Pride are seen at the intersection of North Naches Avenue and Staff Sgt. Pendleton Way Tuesday, June 7, 2022 in Yakima, Wash." Evan Abell / Yakima Herald-Republic

2 - "The rainbow crosswalk at the intersection of North Naches Avenue and Staff Stg. Pendleton Way Monday, September 29, 2025, Yakima, Wash." Desi Quenzer

Dear Community Partners:

You are formally invited to a series of virtual listening sessions for the Governor’s Immigration Subcabinet created by Executive Order 25-09. These listening sessions are co-hosted by the:

• Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs; 
• Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs; 
• Washington State LGBTQ Commission; 
• Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment; 
• Washington State Department of Services for the Blind; and 
• Washington State Office of Equity.

ASL, Spanish, and Arabic interpreters, and CART have been confirmed for all sessions. 

Listening Session 2: November 20, 2025, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Registration Link for Listening Session 2 

Listening Session 3: November 21, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00pm 

Registration Link for Listening Session 3 

Unable to attend?

Complete the Immigration Subcabinet Community Feedback Survey any time before November 24, 2025, and sign up for the Subcabinet Support Newsletter by subscribing to Office of Equity email updates.  

More information about the Immigration Subcabinet and Listening Sessions:

The purpose of the Immigration Subcabinet is to support coordination between state agencies to address immigration-related issues facing Washingtonians. The State must quickly, responsibly, and effectively meet the urgent needs of immigrants and refugees, including those with disability and 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, who have been targeted by federal actions, including actions related to data privacy, healthcare, human services, and other issues.

Listening session participants will have an opportunity to respond to the five questions listed in the survey. It will be a safe space for community members to share immigration-related concerns and needs. Your feedback will inform the Subcabinet’s priorities and next steps to help coordinate efforts to ensure safety, security, and rights of all people, including our neighbors in immigrant and refugee, disability, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

In partnership,

Immigration Subcabinet

subcabinet@equity.wa.gov

Washington State is taking meaningful steps to become more age- and dementia-friendly — and we need your help to ensure every voice is heard.

As part of Washington’s participation in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities and Dementia-Friendly America, we’re gathering input from residents across the state. Your insights will guide how we plan for more inclusive, supportive communities where people of all ages can thrive.

Here’s how you can help:

• Share the community survey with your networks
• Use our ready-to-go social media toolkit and flyer
• Encourage community members, caregivers, and older adults to weigh in

Access the survey here: https://doh.wa.gov/age-and-dementia-friendly-washington-survey

Together, we can make Washington a place where everyone can age with dignity, purpose, and connection.

The Washington State Legislative Page Program 2026 Session Applications are open!

The Washington State Legislature has one of the finest page programs in the country. Each year, hundreds of students from across Washington have the opportunity to take part in the legislative process and watch the Legislature and other branches of state government in action.

To learn about the requirements and to apply to the Page Program, head to the Civic Education website. Page Program

Washington is home to vibrant communities and diverse Washingtonians who all have unique talents, skills and experiences. Governor Ferguson 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 Ferguson 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.

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 contact@lgbtq.wa.gov