For many of us, this new year has been fraught with worry about what’s ahead. In moments like these, it is even more important that we pause to celebrate examples of our unity and our success. Here are three recent accomplishments that your support made possible: On January 9, the Helena City Commission voted 3-2
Within minutes
Just minutes after Donald Trump was sworn into office, the pages dedicated to LGBTQ rights, civil rights, climate change, women, and immigration were removed from WhiteHouse.gov. While this move only confirmed what we already assumed about this administration, it didn’t make watching our lives being erased any easier. And it wasn’t any easier watching him
My First 100 Days
On a cold morning last month in Pasco, Washington—despite nearly six inches of freshly fallen snow—more than 40 people came together to develop an action plan to create supportive and safe spaces for LGBTQ students in the Educational Service District (ESD) 123, which educates more than 70,000 Washington students. As someone who has lived in
We Need to Organize
In anticipation of the 2017 Washington State legislative session, many groups concerned with advancing LGBTQ equality are busy studying bills, coordinating lobbying efforts, meeting with state legislators, and organizing community partners. One such organization is Legal Voice, a Seattle-based organization pursuing justice for all women and girls in the Northwest through groundbreaking litigation, legislative advocacy,
Only in the Darkness Can You See the Stars
Since the election, many of us have navigated each day with a deeply unsettling feeling of uncertainty. Now, as the inauguration looms, we are getting a clear sense of what this new administration, along with an emboldened Congress, state legislatures, and city councils hope to achieve in this shifting climate. To be clear, across our
Empowering Idaho’s LGBTQ Community Through Relationships, Activism, and Action
Leo Morales, Executive Director of ACLU of Idaho, recognizes how unapproachable the legislative process can seem from the outside. “Idaho’s geography, perceived political climate, and ongoing negative media attention leads people to believe it’s hopeless to try and make positive changes,” he reflects. Educating people on how to engage their legislators on important issues is one
6 Cool Things in 60:Seconds – 2016 Edition
As 2016 comes to a close, and we reflect on the work of the past year, I wanted to share six inspiring moments from this year that your support made possible: In May, Pride Foundation and grantee Identity, Inc. launched the second edition of the Inclusive Alaska Guidebook, which shines a spotlight on LGBTQ-supportive businesses
“Thank you for showing me that gay means being powerful.”
original remarks by Brahiam Villanueva, Pride Foundation scholar, given at the 2016 Seattle Scholarship Celebration in Seattle on May 25 Thank you so much for being here tonight and showing your support for LGBTQ+ students. My name is Brahiam, I am going into my junior year at Gonzaga University where I study history and English
Helping Students Live Openly and Safely in Washington Schools
Alex* is a middle school student in Federal Way, Washington. Full of energy, he has an active imagination and thinks about what life would be like if it were similar to his favorite video games or fantasy novels. Like many young people, Alex needs encouragement and guidance to thrive in school. Though he lacks such support at home,
Scholar Reflection: Strength in Solidarity
I am acutely aware of how my emotional and physical safety are under threat. It’s what motivates me to attend law school—to make my community better for everyone, particularly queer and transgender people. Since I began pursuing a career in public interest law, my educational dream has often felt impossible—especially when thinking about my student loan debt. My