The Pacific Northwest is a region of the United States that includes the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, as well as parts of Montana and Alaska. The region is known for its progressive and diverse culture, as well as its natural beauty and environmentalism. The Pacific Northwest is also home to many LGBTQ+ communities and activists, who have been advocating for the rights and recognition of transgender and gender nonconforming people for decades.
One of the earliest examples of LGBTQ+ activism in the Pacific Northwest was the formation of the Dorian Society in Seattle in 1967, which was the first gay rights organization in Washington state. The Dorian Society provided social support, legal aid, and counseling for gay men, and also published a newsletter called The Dorian Review. The Dorian Society also collaborated with other groups, such as the Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities, which was founded in 1969 and was the first mental health agency in the country to serve LGBTQ+ people1.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the LGBTQ+ movement in the Pacific Northwest faced many challenges and setbacks, such as police harassment, anti-gay ballot measures, and the AIDS epidemic. However, these struggles also inspired more activism and solidarity among LGBTQ+ people and allies. For example, in 1977, Seattle became one of the first cities in the country to pass an ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public accommodations1. In 1984, Portland became the first city in Oregon to pass a similar ordinance2. In 1987, thousands of LGBTQ+ people and supporters participated in the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, which included a rally at the Capitol and a display of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt3.
In the 1990s and 2000s, the LGBTQ+ movement in the Pacific Northwest continued to make progress and achieve victories, especially on issues related to transgender and gender identity rights. In 1993, Oregon became the first state in the country to ban discrimination based on gender identity in state employment4. In 2006, Washington followed suit by passing a comprehensive law that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, insurance, and credit. In 2007, Oregon passed a similar law that also includes education. In 2015, both Washington and Oregon passed laws that allow transgender people to change their birth certificates without requiring proof of surgery or a court order . In 2019, both states also passed laws that allow transgender people to mark M (male), F (female), or X (nonbinary) on their driver’s licenses .
In addition to these legislative achievements, the LGBTQ+ movement in the Pacific Northwest has also been involved in various grassroots initiatives and campaigns that aim to raise awareness, educate, and empower transgender and gender nonconforming people. For example, in 2014, a group of transgender activists launched Trans Pride Seattle, an annual event that celebrates the diversity and resilience of the trans community. In 2016, a coalition of LGBTQ+ organizations launched Transform Washington, a public education campaign that features stories of transgender Washingtonians and their allies. In 2018, a group of transgender youth created GenderCool Project Oregon, a chapter of a national initiative that showcases the achievements and aspirations of transgender kids.
The Pacific Northwest has been a pioneer and a leader in advancing the rights and visibility of transgender and gender nonconforming people. However, there are still many challenges and barriers that these communities face, such as violence, harassment, stigma, health disparities, poverty, homelessness, and lack of access to affirming care. Therefore, it is important to continue to support and amplify the voices and needs of transgender and gender nonconforming people in the region and beyond.
Learn more:
1. pewresearch.org2. lgbtmap.org3. depts.washington.edu4. dol.gov
