📥Check your inbox, the Commission's January 2026 newsletter is here! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧This month is focused on the upcoming legislative session. From messages from our Legislative Priorities Committee and Legislative Advisors to a profile on one of the Commission's policy advisors in the Governor's office, (cont.)

We’re headed to court over the HHS secretary’s unlawful attempt to change medical standards for young people who need gender-affirming care. The law does not change on one man’s whim, and this care remains legal under federal and state law. Read more here: www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-re...

3/3: ✅ Washington’s Shield Law protects people in Washington from investigations or court proceedings in another state that concern lawful gender-affirming care provided here. Learn more here: www.atg.wa.gov/reproductive...

2/3: ✅ Washington’s Medicaid program, Apple Health, covers gender-affirming care when it is medically necessary, safe, effective, and not experimental.

1/3: Gender-affirming care is legal and protected in Washington state. ✅ Health insurers cannot deny or limit gender-affirming care coverage for people of any age when it’s prescribed as medically necessary.

The proposed rule targeting healthcare for transgender and gender diverse people is cruel, and unnecessary. Under the law in WA, necessary healthcare for transgender people is lawful and legally protected. Proposed rules are not the law – nothing has changed in WA.

📢Interested in hearing about what the LGBTQ Commission is working on? Want to provide a public comment to the LGBTQ Commission? Come to our January public meeting in Olympia, Washington!🏛️

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 landmark case that legalized marriage equality nationwide. Here in Washington, same-sex marriage was legalized in 2012. (cont.)

Today, Washington honors the transgender lives we have lost to hate-crimes and violence. Our state continues to work to be a place where every trans person can live safely and without fear. @governorferguson.bsky.social

[REPOST] You're invited to a series of community listening sessions hosted by Washington State's Immigration Sub-cabinet. The next listening session is TOMORROW, November 20th from 6-8pm, and another session will occur on November 21st from 6-8pm. (cont.)

Our Operations & Policy Manager, Sam Fennell, just presented at the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management Conference 2025 Fall Research Conference! The session focused on federal rollbacks to LGBTQI+ data protections and what this means for community safety. (cont.)

Washington has one of the longest lifespans in the country and is home to an increasingly diverse aging population. Washington was recognized as an Age- and Dementia-Friendly state by AARP and Dementia Friendly America (DFA) in 2024. (Cont.)

On Veterans Day, we recognize those who've served our country, including the many 2SLGBTQIA+ veterans who have served with strength, determination, and pride. Scroll for resources from @wdva.bsky.social and check out lgbtq.wa.gov/veterans for more information.

The Washington State LGBTQ+ Commission is extremely grateful that the Supreme Court has denied a formal request to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges. Washington state has been, and will continue to be, a leader in the fight for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights.

Transgender health care services covered under Apple Health include gender-affirming surgeries, hormone therapy, and mental health services. Learn more about available services to support #transhealth care needs at Updated link: https://loom.ly/PfcBbr0

Seeing the recent news SCOTUS released regarding the ability for transgender and non-binary people to obtain passports with the correct gender marker, the Commission is working with the Governor’s office and our state agency partners to further understand the impacts (cont.)

You're invited to a series of community listening sessions hosted by Washington State's Immigration Sub-cabinet. The next listening session is November 20th from 6-8pm, and another session will occur on November 21st from 6-8pm.

November is Transgender Awareness Month, and this November we want to remind transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming Washingtonians that this state is here for you.

Thanks to two lawsuits, including one from Washington, the Trump Administration has been forced to provide at least partial SNAP benefits for November. We’re moving to ensure we’re ready to get benefits to people as quickly as possible once the federal government takes action.

Washingtonians are stepping up during this difficult time. I encourage everyone to keep supporting local food banks and pantries if you’re able. The Republican-controlled Congress needs to get the government working and restore full SNAP benefits.

Are you or your family impacted by the continued federal government shutdown? We understand this is a stressful time for many Washingtonians. You can find local food banks and other resources through Washington 211. Call 211 or visit wa211.org to learn more.

Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown is leading a coalition of states to protect transgender youth in sports. To read the full statement from AG Brown or read the amicus brief, head to the link in our bio.

Important News to Share: A Seattle-based federal judge quashed a subpoena from the DOJ that would have resulted in a gender-affirming care provider in Washington being forced to turn over sensitive information around patients receiving gender-affirming care and providers.

On October 18th from 1-3pm, join the Washington State LGBTQ+ Commission's Youth Advisory Council for a townhall centered around K-12 education! Come have a snack, share your questions and concerns regarding K-12 education, and hear from a diverse lineup of speakers.

Happy LGBTQ+ History Month, Washington! The LGBTQ Commission is excited to celebrate the history and contributions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Washington this October.

Justice Mary Yu has announced that she will retire from the Washington State Supreme Court at the end of this year. The Washington State LGBTQ Commission would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Justice Yu and her service to Washington state.

Interested in hearing about what the LGBTQ Commission is working on? Want to provide a public comment to the LGBTQ Commission? Come to our August public meeting in Tri-Cities, Washington!

The Washington State LGBTQ Commission has launched a brand-new website resource! The Rainbow Resource Hub is your new one-stop-shop for information about 2SLGBTQIA+ resources in Washington state. To check it out, head to lgbtq.wa.gov/rainbowresourcehub or the link in our bio.🖤🤎🩵🩷🤍❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Last week the Trump administration officially ended the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline’s LGBTQ+ Youth “press 3” option. Quick and accessible help is sometimes the only obstacle standing between people and tragedy. Find more WA services at lgbtq.wa.gov/resources @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social

Happy International Nonbinary People's Day from the Washington State LGBTQ Commission! Scroll for some statistics on Washington's nonbinary community from our WA LGBTQ+ Survey - find the full report at the link in our bio.

We reached out to @wadnr.bsky.social Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove on why 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in sports is important, and here is what he had to say: "Last week, I had the honor of throwing out the first pitch for Pride Night at the Tacoma Rainiers game. As Commissioner of Public

Our July newsletter is out, and this month's theme is sports! Read it in full at the link in our bio!

We know that LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum helps students feel safer and more represented in their education. Washington will continue to fight for LGBTQ+ youth and their rights.

Washington state stands firms in our protections and access to gender affirming care, even in the face of today's Supreme Court ruling.

Please see the above statement from our Executive Director, Lisa Keating, on the events that took place during the pride flag raising at the state Capitol on Wednesday June 4th. You can also read or download this statement in full at the link in our bio.

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈Today is the day Washington! It is the 10th annual pride flag raising at the @wastatecapitol.bsky.social and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate with you all. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Please see the following statement from the Washington State LGBTQ Commission regarding the recent protests and arrests at Cal Anderson Park. You can also view it on our website at the link in our bio.

Reminder! Washington state is launching a new LGBTQ Certification program for small businesses! Learn more and provide feedback at the virtual public hearing on May 29 from 10-11:30 a.m. Register today at bit.ly/LGBTQ-certification-hearing or at the link in our bio!

We are very excited to announce the annual pride flag raising at the Washington State Capitol! Join us and Governor Bob Ferguson on Wednesday, June 4th at 12:00pm at the flag circle between the Legislative Building (dome building) and the Temple of Justice to hear from 2SLGBTQIA+ speakers...

Being a Washington State LGBTQ Commissioner means having the honor and responsibility to uplift the voices of our diverse communities, especially those too often left out of decision-making. It’s about creating pathways for equity, visibility, and justice—not just in policy...

We accomplish the work of improving the state’s interface with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community by listening and engaging our community throughout the state with the support of 15 individuals, appointed by the Governor, to serve for a three-year term as Commissioners.

Honored to sign this proclamation on Transgender Day of Visibility. Let’s uplift our transgender community members by focusing on their strength, resilience and accomplishments.

Happy Transgender Day of Visibility Washingtonians! This year, the Washington State LGBTQ Commission was proud to request that Governor Bob Ferguson recognize today as TDOV.

Today, Friday March 14th from 10am-5pm, Commissioners are gathering in Vancouver, WA for our March Public Meeting! If you are interested in stopping by for any portion of our meeting, you can head to lgbtq.wa.gov or the link in our bio...

The Washington State Attorney General's office released this guidance regarding your right to access gender-affirming care in the state of Washington. We appreciate Attorney General Brown's ongoing commitment to protecting 2SLGBTQIA+ rights.

Today marks an important cutoff in the legislature: the house of origin cutoff! All bills have to make it off the floor of their respective chambers by the end of the day to continue being considered in the legislative process.

We just opened 100 new units of permanent housing for low-income and formerly homeless residents. We need many, many more projects like this remodeling of the historic Seneca Building from the YWCA — across Washington.

Check out our session spotlight for this week! Learn more about our legislative work at lgbtq.wa.gov/2025session!

This #NationalWomenandGirlsHIVAIDSDay, the Washington State LGBTQ and Women's Commission want to uplift all of the women and girls in Washington living with HIV. This is the 20th annual National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

Happy International Women's Day! The Washington State LGBTQ Commission stands firmly in our support for women across the state, nation, and globe.