It was a big year for the SGN. After some daunting headlines about the paper's possible closure, Mike Schultz stepped in as the new publisher in October. The paper has since switched to a biweekly format and expanded its distribution range to Aberdeen, Bellingham, Spokane, and Ocean Shores.
At the same time, the year saw political attacks on the community. A total of 589 anti-Trans bills have been introduced across the US, according to Trans Legislation Tracker. Among those, 85 have passed.
Amid so many moving parts, the SGN continued its coverage. Here are some of the most important (mostly) local headlines from 2023.
January
At the very end of last year, Seattle's Lesbian bar Wildrose celebrated its 38th year of business. The space was at maximum capacity, with a line wrapped around the corner to get into the bustling space.
The Anthro Northwest Convention took place, holding panels on making fur suits, starting a freelance furry business, and mental health topics. The nonprofit partnered with Sarvey Wildlife Care Center this year.
February
Protesters in Cal Anderson chanted the name of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black father from Tennessee who died after being beaten by police. During their march from Capitol Hill, down to the Space Needle, and ending at Seattle Police Department's East Precinct, they were met with counterprotesters.
In better news, the Disabled List held its first comedy festival at Northwest Film Forum, funded by 4Culture.
March
House Bill 1469, a shield law that would define gender-affirming and reproductive care as protected services, was introduced by the Washington State Legislature's Senate Committee on Law and Justice. The bill was signed into law in April.
April
Washington state Senate Bill 5599 passed. The bill, which has since become law, allows shelters to notify the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families of the arrival of a minor, instead of the minor's parents. It was written to protect those seeking gender-affirming care and take down barriers for minors who need shelter.
May
UTOPIA Washington opened Mapu Maia Clinic, a medical facility in Kent that provides free healthcare to Seattle's Queer and Trans Pacific Islander community.
At the Garfield Community Center on May 11, the Seattle Police Department LGBTQ Advisory Council held its first meeting in years.
June
Seattle showed up for this year's multiple-hour Pride parade. Sports teams also joined in, and so did all kinds of Queer performers. The march featured political statements, with teachers protesting book bans and others holding signs saying "Protect Trans kids."
During the celebratory month, the Human Rights Campaign declared a national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in response to a rising amount of anti-Trans legislation.
July
On the final day of Pride Month, the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Colorado could not make Lorie Smith provide her graphic design services to LGBTQ+ couples who wanted wedding websites.
In better news, Tacoma's Pride festival was a success, with great weather, five streets of booths, and two Satanists offering free hugs.
August
Patti Hearn became the executive director of Seattle Pride, the organization that runs Pride in the Park, the Pride Parade, and Seattle Pride Magazine. Having lived in Seattle for 29 years and with a background in education, Hearn felt it was obvious that she should apply for the position.
September
A SPD bodycam tape was released, and Officer Daniel Auderer was heard saying "she had limited value" in relation to the death of 23-year-old Jaahnavi Kandula, who was hit by a police vehicle driving 74 mph in a 25 mph zone. The tape sparked a protest on Sept. 16 at Denny Park.
October
At Smarty Pants Bar, the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance's Western Washington chapter held a drag event to fundraise for Lambert House, a community center for Queer youth on Capitol Hill.
November
The Black Lives Memorial Garden, created by Black Star Farmers during the three weeks of the Capitol Hill Autonomous Protest Zone and led, was scheduled to be removed by Seattle Parks. (It was eventually removed in late December.)
December
At Union Bar, Sable Jones St. James celebrated becoming the newly crowned Miss Gay United States after winning the pageant in Ohio. "Miss Gay United States plans to unite the country, dammit!" she proclaimed.