May 2026 LGBTQ Commission Newsletter

As we begin to enter Pride season, I have been reflecting on the relentless and nonstop efforts for decades to advance and hang on to hard fought rights and protections. The countless ways people continue to be defiantly and proudly visible, and demand respect for our collective humanity keeps me grounded and motivated. We have had major wins and accomplishments, both nationally and in Washington state. Much of the work at the commission since January of last year has been focused on fighting to maintain 2SLGBTQIA+ protections against federal policies and actions. Even in better times, people have never stopped having to fight for their own dignity, humanity, and safety.  

Recently, I was asked why I’m proud to be a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The incredible range of people I interact with, and are in my personal circles, bring me endless joy and strength. Knowing individuals who dare to be their whole selves day in, and day out is a gift. Living a life authentically and unapologetically is an act of self-love. Despite bigotry, discrimination, or judgement we carve out lives that are filled with love, laughter, success, and creativity. I love the audacity and compassion within the people in the queer community. They are things I don’t experience in the same ways in non-queer spaces.  

Pride symbolizes the refusal to accept shame and social stigma. To publicly come together in solidarity, joy, and celebration. To pay tribute to all those who sacrificed and tirelessly worked to gain civil rights through local, state and federal laws and policies. It invites us to take stock in how far we have come. Progress does not happen in a straight line. The more we advance our human rights, the harder the forces who want to shove us back into the shadow fight back.  

Yes, we are living through a moment in time where the opposition is succeeding in stripping away access to critical basic needs, especially for nonbinary and trans people. We are not staying idle. Communities are standing up mutual aid networks, free health clinics, creatively tapping into how past generations cared for each other during crisis. Now, more than ever, we need to show up in solidarity through actions. May this Pride season be one that tethers you to the resilience that is woven throughout our movement and the people that continue to carry it forward.  

In April, Commissioners Everett Maroon (Walla Walla), Omni Romero (Tri-Cities), and M. Eliatambly-O'Brien (Ellensburg) participated in a panel discussion for the Office of Financial Management Learning Equity Together series that focused on 2SLGBTQIA+ intersections and identities. Knowing that many on the eastern and central parts of the state feel as if decisions made in Olympia are not reflective of their communities and needs, providing the chance to hear from commissioners in Tri-Cities, Walla Walla, and Ellensburg was important.  

Part of the role of the Washington State LGBTQ Commission is to educate. Our commissioners bring important and valuable perspectives that shape policy, accessibility, and equitable practices for leadership and state employees within all aspects of state government. Community and ethnic based commissions are critical tools to assure that policy decisions, programs, services, and priorities are inclusive and reflect the vast diversity of Washingtonians.  

Meeting and getting to know the very people our government is serving is a powerful way to humanize work that can often be siloed. Stories connect us to one another’s humanity. Government must reflect those it serves.  

Why is it essential that agencies and policy makers have a deeper understanding of the vast diversity within the 2SLGBTQIA+ population?   

“Legitimacy and strategy matter tremendously. Central Washington, for instance, often gets excluded in conversations at a variety of policy-making levels, and our particular needs for the communities we're discussing don't map neatly in other parts of the state or even our neighbor counties. The Commission helps attend to this, and also brings together a deeply creative groups of individuals who understand both the need for legal validity and care, and how these issues engage with and play out in everyday life”- Commissioner M. Eliatamby-O'Brien 

“Availability does not equal accessibility.”- Commissioner Omni Romero 

When it comes to bigotry and discrimination, "You can't even tell what part of yourself is being discriminated against, but you can sense it." - Commissioner M. Eliatamby-O'Brien 

In the moment of time we are living through, what’s important to you that people outside of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community know? 

“I was glad to have the opportunity to speak with OFM staff members, as a panelist for the Learning Equity Together LGBTQIA2S+ discussion. It's important in this societal moment, when meaning is debatable, trans people are called "domestic terrorists," and the Voting Rights Act is demolished as unnecessary, that we come together to share our authentic stories and reaffirm the state government's commitment to its residents. I feel confident that state officials are working at the top of their ability to foster an environment where we can all contribute to our communities, as our whole selves. I came away from the conversation glad to know my state is hard at work meeting its ethical obligations to the LGBTQ community here in Washington.” - Commissioner Everett Maroon 

Commissioners received a significant amount of gratitude for sharing their perspectives and experiences. Over one hundred employees attended the event. Attendees continue to share their reflections and appreciation with staff for the opportunity to learn from our commissioners.  

“The time you each gave — and the subject matter expertise and lived experience you so generously shared — made a truly deep impact. What you offered both collectively and individually resonated in ways that I know will stay with our staff long after the conversation ended. With over 100 people in attendance, the reach of your wisdom extended far and wide. 

These conversations matter, and they matter most when the people at the table bring the authenticity, knowledge, and heart that each of you brought yesterday. You made the room feel seen, informed, and inspired. 

Thank you again for your time, your openness, and your continued commitment to equity.” - Amber Coleman, Pro-Equity Consultant