Seattle Gay News Volume 53 Issue 3 Feed

Seattle Council follows the lead of three other area cities and makes Seattle an LGBTQIA+ sanctuary

Today the Seattle City Council approved an ordinance that reaffirms Seattle as a safe and welcoming place for residents, workers, and visitors, including the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Frank Chopp, former WA House speaker and LGBTQIA+ advocate, passes away at 71

Former state representative and House Speaker Frank Chopp passed away on March 22 at the age of 71. Bremerton-born and bred, Chopp dedicated his life to supporting LGBTQIA+ Washingtonians.

Medicaid coverage for HIV antivirals continues to progress in state legislature

After successfully making it through the state Senate, House Bill 5577 continues to progress, following its passage by the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness on March 19. If signed into law, HB 5577 would become effective on July 1.

UTOPIA WA pushes Kent to pass resolution making it a sanctuary city for LGBTQIA+ people

UTOPIA Washington recently proposed a resolution to the City of Kent that would ensure the safety and well-being of LGBTQIA+ residents, communities, and organizations during a time of increasing threats and violence.

Seattle Police identify suspects involved in Pony water pellet-gun hate crime

Three suspects tied to the February 19 hate crime at a popular Gay bar – in which patrons were subjected to anti-LGBTQIA+ slurs and fired upon with water pellets – have been identified. They are 17, 19, and 24 years old.

Judge blocks Trump's executive orders attacking gender-affirming care and Trans youth – again

On February 28, Judge Lauren King approved Washington state's request for an injunction blocking President Trump's executive orders targeting Transgender youth and gender-affirming care.

12 attorneys general oppose passport application changes targeting Trans people

Twelve attorneys general banded together to submit a letter in opposition to suggested changes that deny Transgender people the right to a passport that matches their gender identity.

"Louder": Seattle Pride announces parade theme and reevaluates partnerships in light of DEI slashes

This year's Seattle Pride Parade theme, "Louder," represents a celebration of LGBTQIA+ activists who pushed for our civil rights and those who continue to demand change in the face of hateful attacks nationwide.

Rep. Nicole Macri introduces legislation allowing 12-month refill of hormone therapy prescriptions

Increasing attacks against the Transgender community have led numerous people to contact state Rep. Nicole Macri (D-43) and express their feelings of hopelessness. In response, Rep. Macri has introduced House Bill 1971.

ReAct Theatre to unveil tale of Texas Christian boy who transitions into Orthodox Jewish woman

On two afternoons this April, ReAct Theatre will premiere Abbie Cohen's experiences of growing up as a small-town Christian boy in Texas and transitioning into an Orthodox Jewish woman in her autobiographical play, The Lost Object.

"Dolly: Seattle Men's Chorus Salutes Dolly Parton" gets a second date in Seattle. Concerts in other Western WA cities to follow

An upcoming Seattle Men's Chorus show celebrating Dolly Parton, the beloved singer, songwriter, and LGBTQIA+ ally, has just landed another date in Seattle's Fifth Avenue Theatre before the talented performers travel north this spring.

Uncovering the intricacy of Bi+ experiences during Bisexual+ Health Awareness Month

Did you know that Bisexual+ people face worse health, social, and economic outcomes compared to their Gay, Lesbian, and hetero counterparts? These challenging experiences often go understudied or unaddressed.

Tumwater School Board approves resolution that would bar Trans athletes from girls' sports teams

Despite overwhelming opposition from community members, the Tumwater School Board recently passed Resolution 092425, which directs staff to approve Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) policy amendments 7 and 8.

New Trevor Project report shows WA LGBTQ+ youth need more familial and healthcare support

While Washington is considered a safe state, data from "The 2024 US National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People by State" show that LGBTQ+ youth need more familial support and access to mental healthcare providers.

Trump targets the Department of Education – and kids it sought to protect

For a number of years, the U.S. Department of Education has been one of the major targets of conservative Republicans, who make no bones about the fact that their ultimate goal is no less than the complete termination of the department.

HIV medication-related bill advances in Washington legislature as HIV denialist RFK Jr. confirmed to oversee health agencies

A bill that would require Medicaid to cover all FDA-approved HIV antivirals has seen early success in the Washington state legislature, most recently being unanimously passed by the Senate's Health & Long-Term Care Committee meeting on February 13.

LGBTQ refugees+ seek hope in Seattle as deportation threat looms: "It's all hands on deck" at Entre Hermanos

"Virtually every Trans client we've served has been the victim of violence," said immigration lawyer Robert Foss. "Some of them multiple times." Violence from "family members, teachers, classmates, police, and strangers. In their home. In school.

Triumphing over the unimaginable: "Heart Eyes" director Josh Ruben on making an emotionally authentic rom-com – that is also a freewheeling slasher

Currently knifing up theaters with cutthroat abandon, the inventively nimble rom-com–horror mashup Heart Eyes is going to go down as one of 2025's most unexpected – if still bloodcurdling – delights.

Trump's Trans erasure arrives at National Park Service: Fate of major 2016 LGBTQ Theme Study unclear

President Trump's efforts at erasing Trans identity intensified this week as employees at the National Park Service were instructed to remove the "T" and "Q" from "LGBTQ" from all internal and external communications.

Preston Singletary joins PNB for "The Sleeping Beauty" – Tlingit style

Leave it to Peter Boal and his creative team at Pacific Northwest Ballet to come up with an idea that transports a classic Russian ballet from a fairy tale palace to what Boal refers to as "a mythical land resembling the Pacific Northwest."