Seattle is a city that prides itself on its diversity, inclusivity, and progressive values. The city is home to a vibrant and thriving LGBTQ+ community, which contributes to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the region. However, LGBTQ+ people in Seattle also face many financial challenges and barriers, such as discrimination, income inequality, housing insecurity, health care access, and lack of financial literacy. In this article, we will explore some of the issues and initiatives that affect the finances of the LGBTQ+ community in Seattle.
Discrimination and income inequality
One of the major factors that impact the finances of LGBTQ+ people in Seattle is discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. According to a 2018 report by the Williams Institute, LGBTQ+ people in Washington state are more likely to experience poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, and homelessness than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. The report also found that LGBTQ+ people of color, transgender people, bisexual women, and LGBTQ+ people with disabilities are especially vulnerable to economic hardship.
Some of the reasons for this disparity include discrimination in employment, education, and public accommodations; lack of legal protections and recognition; stigma and violence; and family rejection. For example, a 2015 survey by the National Center for Transgender Equality found that 16% of transgender Washingtonians reported losing a job because of their gender identity; 27% reported being fired, denied a promotion, or experiencing some other form of mistreatment at work; and 29% reported living in poverty.
To address these issues, several organizations and initiatives in Seattle have been working to promote LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion in the workplace and beyond. For example, the Seattle LGBTQ Commission1 advises the Mayor, City Council, and City departments about issues of concern affecting the LGBTQ+ community. The Commission recommends policies and legislation, brings together LGBTQ+ communities with the larger Seattle community through long-range projects, and ensures City departments fairly and equitably address issues affecting and involving Seattle’s LGBTQ+ communities. Another example is the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA), which is the largest LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce in North America. The GSBA advocates for LGBTQ+ business owners and professionals, provides networking and educational opportunities, and supports LGBTQ+ students with scholarships.
Housing insecurity
Another factor that affects the finances of LGBTQ+ people in Seattle is housing insecurity. According to a 2019 report by Zillow, Seattle is one of the most expensive cities to rent or buy a home in the country. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Seattle is $1,987 per month; the median home value is $767,906. These prices are out of reach for many LGBTQ+ people who earn lower incomes or face discrimination in the housing market.
Housing insecurity can have serious consequences for LGBTQ+ people’s health, safety, and well-being. For example, a 2017 report by All Home King County found that 29% of homeless youth in King County identify as LGBTQ+. Many of these youth experience family rejection, abuse, or violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. They also face higher risks of mental health issues, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, and HIV infection.
To address these issues, several organizations and initiatives in Seattle have been working to provide affordable and supportive housing for LGBTQ+ people. For example, Capitol Hill Housing is a nonprofit organization that develops and manages affordable housing communities in Seattle. One of their projects is the Pride Place, which is a 118-unit apartment building that will serve low-income LGBTQ+ seniors and youth. The Pride Place will also offer on-site services such as case management, health care, counseling, and social activities. Another example is Lambert House, which is a community center for LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-22. Lambert House provides drop-in services such as meals, clothing, showers, laundry facilities; as well as programs such as support groups, mentoring, art workshops, and leadership development. Lambert House also operates an emergency shelter program for homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
Health care access
A third factor that affects the finances of LGBTQ+ people in Seattle is health care access. According to a 2019 report by Out2Enroll, LGBTQ+ people are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured than non-LGBTQ+ people. They also face higher rates of chronic conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, and mental health disorders. They also encounter barriers to accessing quality and affirming health care services, such as discrimination, lack of cultural competency, and cost.
Lack of health care access can have negative impacts on LGBTQ+ people’s physical, mental, and financial health. For example, a 2018 study by the Center for American Progress found that one in four LGBTQ+ people avoided or postponed needed medical care because of cost in the past year; one in five LGBTQ+ people experienced problems paying medical bills in the past year; and one in six LGBTQ+ people had medical debt that they were unable to pay off.
To address these issues, several organizations and initiatives in Seattle have been working to improve health care access and outcomes for LGBTQ+ people. For example, the Ingersoll Gender Center is a nonprofit organization that supports transgender and gender nonconforming people in Seattle and beyond. The Ingersoll Gender Center provides peer support, advocacy, education, and referrals to health care providers who are knowledgeable and respectful of transgender and gender nonconforming people’s needs. Another example is the Gay City Health Project, which is a nonprofit organization that promotes wellness in Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community. The Gay City Health Project provides services such as HIV/STI testing and prevention, mental health counseling, wellness coaching, and arts and cultural events.
Learn more:
1. seattle.gov2. bing.com3. pridefoundation.org4. pridefoundation.org5. seattleschools.org6. lamberthouse.org
