 News For You!
Queer and Trans People Have Always Been Here
Every year in June, something extremely powerful rises into the light. It is not new and it's not fragile:
Queer and trans people have always been here.
Being queer has existed for centuries, across cultures, and has been seen throughout history. It is everywhere and it is never going to disappear.
During Pride Month, the Washington State Office of Equity honors the resilience, contributions, and diverse identities of LGBTQIA+ communities. We recognize the leadership of LGBTQIA+ people continues to advance equity across all parts of society.
What is Pride to Us?
To the queer folks at the Office of Equity, pride weaves into so many pieces of our lives.
Pride is more than a celebration; it is a continuation of the past.
Pride is a history, a legacy that each of us carry, connecting people across a diverse and growing community.
Pride celebrates identity, love, and the incredibly powerful act of being seen.
Pride is in the strength of survival and the refusal to stop being ourselves.
Pride means honoring the struggle of those who came before us, uplifting their courageous voices and everything they did to make space for others.
Pride means building a path forward for those who come next or for those who cannot speak up.
Pride built the people who stood before us in history, who stand together now, and who have yet to be born.
Pride as Resistance
Pride month did not begin as a celebration, parade, or festival, it began its life as a resistance. It began with people who refused to stay silent, who refused to disappear, and who refused to back down.
June 1969 in New York City at the Stonewall Inn: the first pride march in America began as queer individuals revolted against unfair and unjust police treatment and brutality. The Stonewall riots were loud, real, and necessary. They were led largely in part by trans women, including Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. These riots sparked a movement that is still alive and thriving today.
As Seattle Pride marks its 51st year in 2026 under the theme “Rally,” we recognize Pride as both a celebration and call to action. By rallying together through courage, collective action, and solidarity, we honor those who came before us, support those navigating barriers today, and help to create brighter days ahead.
LGBTQIA+ communities have long driven progress in public service, healthcare, education, arts and culture, business, and community leadership. In times that may feel uncertain or challenging, Pride reminds us that LGBTQIA+ communities have always carried hope, resilience, and determination.
Pride asks us to keep going, to keep showing up, and keep supporting each other.
Pride tells us to choose joy, community, and truth.
When we are visible, we know we are not alone.
Honoring Those We Have Lost
It must be acknowledged that there is truth in the struggles queer people have: we have been killed for who we are, hurt, ignored, and pushed aside.
We want to honor the trans people who have passed this last year due to violence and suicide. Please take a moment to read through these names. Thank you to Remembering Our Dead, a group of people who tirelessly compile and uplift the information of trans people who have died of violence or suicide all over the world.
Take care of yourself as you read through these stories, as they share depictions of violence against trans people.
Juniper Blessing | Age 19 | Seattle, Washington
Persia Amarra Conway | Age 33 | Houston, Texas
Erykah Caldwell | Age 41 | New York City, New York
Lanessa Rodriguez | Age 33 | Fort Pierce, Florida
Lucas RedBeard Knapp ("Luca") | Age 39 | Candy Kitchen, New Mexico
Aleanna Royal Belcher | Age 31 | Binghampton, New York
Danielle Spillman | Age 74 | San Fransisco, California
Daniella Analee Escobedo | Age 34 | Las Vegas, Nevada
Davonta Curtis | Age 31 | Chicago, Illinois
Sydney Lou Walden | Age 30 | Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Jadyn Kimsel | Age 16 | Howell, Michigan
Rylie Autumn Heart | Age 40 | Homestead, Pennsylvania
Ashtyn Tice | Age 17 | Dothan Alabama
Madeline Cassandra Stensrud ("Maddie") | Age Unknown | Erie, Colorado
Jade Roberts | Age 25 | Houston, Texas
While we may be challenged or broken down, we cannot be destroyed.
The LGBTQIA+ Community will never disappear.
The Washington State Office of Equity remains committed to building a Washington where every community can live with dignity, safety, and opportunity. Our responsibility is to uphold the values that guide Washington State. We believe in dignity, belonging, and the protection of all communities. We affirm the importance of human rights and the safety of civilians. We uplift the ability of people everywhere to live free from fear and violence.
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