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Washington State LGBTQ Commission

@walgbtqcommission.bsky.social
2K followers 77 following 233 posts

Improving WA gov's interface with the LGBTQ community by identifying community needs & ensuring effective advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+people! linktr.ee/wa.lgbtqcommission

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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Thank you to WA AG Nick Brown and his office for working to protect trans Washingtonians.
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Last week, the Washington State Attorney General's Office announced that Washington state is joining a coalition of states defending gender-affirming care coverage for youth and young adults. You can read the AG's full press release at the link in our bio.
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
📩We encourage those interested to sign up for the Washington Health Care Authority's Transhealth email notifications at the link in our bio 🔗
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
...are respected, affirmed, and able to access the care they need. The Washington State LGBTQ Commission will continue to share information about impacts as soon as we are able. (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
🏛️The Commission, alongside the Governor’s office and many other state partners, are monitoring the ever-changing legal landscape and prioritizing solutions that make sure that all Washingtonians, including gender-nonconforming and transgender youth... (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
🏳️‍⚧️This rule was one of two rules that Washington opposed through a multi-agency statewide impact letter due to the devastating impacts it would have on Washington and the lack of scientific basis behind the proposal. (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
💵This rule affects federal funds for Medicare/Medicaid plans and CHIP plans. It does not impact state funds for Medicare/Medicaid. (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
...that will have devastating impacts on 2SLGBTQIA+ people across the country. ⚕️The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a rule that bars Medicaid and CHIP from funding coverage of gender-affirming care for youth (under 18 for Medicaid and under 19 for CHIP) (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
The Washington State LGBTQ Commission has been playing close attention to any federal rulemaking that impacts the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Earlier this month, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a finalized rule... (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
We are committed to continue showing up, speaking out, and defending Washingtonians from harmful rules that aren't supported by science.🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
and DCYF staff, Secretary of Dept. of Children Youth and Families Tana Senn and DCYF staff, and Office of Equity Director Megan Matthews and Equity staff for their work and collaboration opposing this rule. (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
🫂Thank you to Governor Bob Ferguson and his staff, Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer and OIC staff, Director of WA Health Care Authority Ryan Moran and HCA staff, WA Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham and DOH staff, Secretary of Dept. of Children Youth and Families Tana Senn... (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
We were joined by over 30,000 other comments from individuals, organizations, and agencies - showcasing the power of civic engagement and public input on rulemaking.🏛️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
🌈The WA LGBTQ Commission, along with a coalition of state leaders, submitted a 255-page letter opposing this proposed rule.📑 You can read the full letter at the link in our bio.🔗 (cont).
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
📢BIG WIN: According to reporting from NPR, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is no longer going through with a proposed rule that would have conditioned Medicare and Medicaid funding to require hospitals to ban gender-affirming care. 🙅 (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
We stand alongside the transgender and intersex athletes impacted by this ruling, and we will continue to identify ways to support this community ⛹️‍♀️🏊‍♀️🏌️‍♀️🤸‍♀️🫂
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️Washington state leaders, in partnership with the Washington State LGBTQ Commission, have already been working to monitor the impacts of this ruling. Washington remains committed to being a national leader in gender equity and inclusivity in sports. 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
❌This ruling DID NOT institute a nationwide transgender sports ban❌ ⚠️This ruling is a dangerous decision that impacts transgender youth across the nation in the 25+ states that have transgender sports bans and is yet another example of the relentless attack on transgender rights⚠️ (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
We know this ruling is deeply concerning for 2SLGBTQIA+ Washingtonians, especially our transgender, gender-nonconforming, and intersex community members. Here are some things to know about this ruling: ❌This ruling DID NOT invalidate Washington's transgender inclusive sports policy❌ (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued its decision in two cases about transgender girls and women's participation in sports. The Court ruled that transgender sports bans do not violate Title IX or the Equal Protection Clause. (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
... organizations that work to create community spaces, establish support, and build advocacy networks throughout Central Washington. Thank you to OUT NCW and @wenatcheepride.bsky.social for organizing this event and inviting the Commission! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
The Commission knows that people in these areas, especially rural communities, face unique challenges and are often excluded from conversations happening in Olympia. That's why we are so grateful for partners like OUT North Central Washington and Wenatchee Pride,(cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
It is so important that Washington state agencies are making sure that we are engaging and interfacing with all 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in the state, including those outside of the I-5 corridor. (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Washington State LGBTQ Commission Executive Director Lisa Keating had an amazing time at the Wenatchee @applesox Pride Night! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ This was the first ever Pride Night by a professional team in North Central Washington. ⚾️🌈(cont.)
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Washington State Health Care Authority @wa-health-care.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Health care works best when people feel safe being themselves. Inclusive, respectful care helps improve health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. The Apple Health (Medicaid) Transhealth Program helps eligible members access care and support services. Learn more: hca.wa.gov/transhealth
A rainbow flag was flying in the background. Up close, two hands are posing into a heart shape.
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Gov. Bob Ferguson @governorferguson.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
We just raised the Pride flag in Olympia. I want Washingtonians to know that there is zero chance we would ever bend the knee to the hate and attacks we see from Washington DC. You have my word on that.
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Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Today at the OIC we raised the Pride flag 🏳️‍🌈 to honor Pride month. To our LGBTQIA+ neighbors: we are here for you. ❤️
Raising the Pride flag 🏳️‍🌈 at the OIC headquarters
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Attorney General Nick Brown @atg.wa.gov · 03/06/2026
Raising the flag today is an acknowledgment of how far we’ve come, a promise to continue, and vow that we’re not going back. 2/2
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Attorney General Nick Brown @atg.wa.gov · 03/06/2026
Visibility during Pride is even more important in the face of renewed efforts to erase and harm the LGBTQ+ community. Our efforts to protect LGBTQ+ rights are strengthened by the visibility and bravery of individuals, families, and allies who refuse to hide. 1/2
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Gov. Bob Ferguson @governorferguson.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
As we start our celebration of Pride Month, I'm excited to see our strong ranking and positive movement up the list in the annual LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index from Out Leadership. Times like this, with outrageous attacks coming from the federal government, are when our commitment is tested.
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Washington residents: Share your thoughts on key questions shaping the future of K–12 student behavioral health supports across Washington. The 1st Community Sounding Board questionnaire for the Policy Codesign for K–12 School Behavioral Health project is open now. Responses due by Friday, May 29.
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
📍Where: The flag raising will happen at the flag circle between the Legislative Building (building with dome) and the Temple of Justice 🏛️ 💻Can't come in person? Watch live or stream it later on TVW!📺
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Hear from various 2SLGBTQIA+ and allied leaders across state government and welcome in pride season 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 📅When: Wednesday, June 3rd beginning at 12:00pm 🕛 📍Where: Washington State Capitol Campus, 416 Sid Snyder Avenue, Olympia, WA. (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
📢It's almost time for Washington's annual pride flag raising!📢 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️Join @governorferguson.bsky.social, the Washington State LGBTQ Commission, and the Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network as we raise the intersex-inclusive progress pride flag at the Capitol Campus! (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
We stand with survivors and will fight to find solutions that protect Washingtonians from fraudulent, harmful practices. 🫂
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️Washington state leaders, in partnership with the Washington State LGBTQ Commission, have already been working to identify potential responses to this ruling. Washington remains committed to being a national leader in 2SLGBTQIA+ equality and wellbeing🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
⚖️Survivors still have a range of legal options to fight back, including consumer fraud claims, medical malpractice, and intentional infliction of emotional distress⚖️ (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
We know this ruling is deeply concerning for 2SLGBTQIA+ Washingtonians. Here are some things to know: ❌This case was NOT about whether these practices are safe or legal❌ The medical consensus is clear: Conversion therapy is harmful, unethical and it puts young people at risk⚠️ (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
This past Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued its decision in a case about how conversion therapy can be regulated. The Court ruled these harmful and debunked practices can be "protected speech" under the first amendment and sent the case back down to the lower court to be revisited. (cont.)
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Gov. Bob Ferguson @governorferguson.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
On Transgender Day of Visibility today, we uplift and celebrate transgender Washingtonians. I admire their resilience in the face of adversity. In Washington, we'll always stand up for the rights of transgender individuals. That won’t change as long as I am Governor.
WHEREAS, Washington state recognizes that one of its
greatest strengths is the diversity of its people and has a long-standing
tradition of upholding the dignity of the individual; and
 
WHEREAS, Washington state supports equal treatment
for all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and
expression and believes in the values of equity and belonging for all people;
and
 
WHEREAS, members of the transgender community
contribute to the growing diversity and prosperity of our state; and
 
WHEREAS, transgender and gender nonconforming
individuals deserve to have joyful and inspiring news shared about their
community; and
 
WHEREAS, Transgender Day of Visibility was created in
2010 in response to the majority of media attention surrounding transgender
individuals being about the violence they face; and
 
WHEREAS, Transgender Day of Visibility aims to uplift
and celebrate the lives and accomplishments of the transgender community; and
 
WHEREAS, Washingtonians are encouraged to observe
this day and uplift their transgender community members, focusing on their
strength, resilience and accomplishments through the adversity they face;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Ferguson,
governor of the state of Washington, do hereby proclaim March 31, 2026, as
 
Transgender
Day of Visibility
 
in Washington, and
I urge all people in our state to join me in this special observance.
 
Signed this 25th day of March, 2026
 
 
 
Governor Bob Ferguson
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Ferguson, governor of the state of Washington, do hereby proclaim March 31, 2026 as Transgender Day of Visibility in Washington, and I urge all people in our state to join me in this special observance. Signed this 25th day of March, 2026 Governor Bob Ferguson
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
WHEREAS, Washingtonians are encouraged to observe this day and uplift their transgender community members, focusing on their strength, resilience and accomplishments through the adversity they face; (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
WHEREAS, Transgender Day of Visibility aims to uplift and celebrate the lives and accomplishments of the transgender community; and (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
WHEREAS, Transgender Day of Visibility was created in 2010 in response to the majority of media attention surrounding transgender individuals being about the violence they face; and (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
WHEREAS, transgender and gender nonconforming individuals deserve to have joyful and inspiring news shared about their community; and (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
WHEREAS, members of the transgender community contribute to the growing diversity and prosperity of our state; and (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
WHEREAS, Washington state supports equal treatment for all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression and believes in the values of equity and belonging for all people; and (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
WHEREAS, Washington state recognizes that one of its greatest strengths is the diversity of its people and has a long-standing tradition of upholding the dignity of the individual; and (cont.)
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Washington State LGBTQ Commission @walgbtqcommission.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
This marks the second year that Washington state has recognized Transgender Day of Visibility ⚧️ To download a PDF copy of this year's proclamation, head to the link in our bio.🔗 🏳️‍⚧️Proclamation text:🏳️‍⚧️ (cont.)
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