Spokane lgbtq
This story was written in partnership between RANGE and Stonewall News Northwest, a newsroom serving the rural LGBTQ+ community of the Pacific Northwest. Learn more about Stonewall News Northwest’s work here.
On February 20, one of Spokane City Council Member Paul Dillon’s constituents sent him an email asking for a policy that would support queer people in Spokane.
“I have been losing a lot of sleep over the onslaught of attacks from the [presidential] admin on our community, and over the loss of many of our trans siblings in the wake of them,” the constituent wrote. “I saw recently that Worcester, Boston, declared themselves a sanctuary city for trans and gender-diverse people … I was wondering if that would be a possibility to bring up in City Council here?”
It was. Dillon had been working on a draft since January.
A month later, at the Gender Freedom March in downtown Spokane, Dillon made the official announcement: the city council would take up a Shield Law ordinance, which mirrors the standing Washington state law, to ensure no city resources are used to inves
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Providing a culture of care for young queer folk, outside of alcohol-centered activities, is what makes another organization, Odyssey Youth Movement, the shining gem in the crown of Spokane’s LGBTQ+ scene.
This nonprofit offers vital resources for ages and is the truest of safe spaces, absent of judgment, and abundant with help for young people exploring their orientation or gender. Located in the Perry District and heading into its 28th year of operation, it offers the whole spectrum with after-school drop-in hours, a community closet to provide clothes matching gender expression, and resources for guardians.
OutSpokane, which hosts pride month celebrations including the Rainbow Festival and ever-growing pride parade, also offers resources and Queer Sounds, hosted on KYRS community radio, allows a chance to support the greater LGBTQ+ community at large without ever leaving your house.
Historically the eastern side of Washington state has been viewed as more conservative than western counterparts Seattle and Olympia. Still, Spokane is by far the shining LGBTQ+ be
Spokane City Council approves law mirroring state LGBT+ protections after heated meeting
After a marathon meeting that occasionally grew fraught, Spokane’s Capital Council has codified a number of protections for the LGBT+ community.
While many are enshrined in state law or already in practice, advocates argue they signaled support amid a national firestorm, particularly over trans rights.
There was a small taste of that cultural battleground during the Monday city council meeting, with dozens of supporters testifying that their right to exist is increasingly under question and political assault, while a few opponents argued that further protections were unnecessary or that gender-affirming treatments are harmful.
In all, 67 people signed up to testify, and even with their testimony limited from the normal three minutes to two, the single agenda item dominated almost the entire meeting.
The ordinance, sponsored by Council members Paul Dillon, Lili Navarrete and Zack Zappone, covers a lot of ground, including adding anti-discrimination language in city code and preventing city res
Spokane, Washington Gay City Guide
The largest city between Seattle and Minneapolis, Spokane is currently the second-largest city in Washington state. Often called the Lilac City because of the beautiful flowers known to grow there, Spokane is also known for being a gateway to the northwest Rockies, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia Valley wine region. Spokane is a city known for its natural beauty, and also for its friendly people and welcoming vibe. If you’re thinking of finding your next residence in Spokane, you’ll find a lot about it to love!
A Look at Spokane’s History
The area that is now Spokane was initially founded as Spokane Falls in , by a group of settlers who recognized the value of the Spokane River and the areas around it. Eventually, as more and more people came to the area it grew, and that growth was encouraged exponentially when a main line of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company was built in the area. It also became an important mining and logging center and remains so today. Today, Spokane is a vibrant, multi-cultural area with beaut