1 00:00:15,382 --> 00:00:18,585 Welcome, everybody. 2 00:00:18,585 --> 00:00:21,921 I know it seems hard that to think that it has been a year, 3 00:00:21,921 --> 00:00:24,457 but it is, in fact, June 1st yet again. 4 00:00:25,058 --> 00:00:31,264 And the most remarkable thing is this is really our 5 00:00:31,731 --> 00:00:37,404 unofficial kick off to summer, the beginning of Pride month. 6 00:00:37,537 --> 00:00:39,973 I want to thank you all for being here today. 7 00:00:40,507 --> 00:00:43,343 And I want to get us started with 8 00:00:43,343 --> 00:00:48,081 introducing our mayor for the city of Seattle, Mayor Bruce Harrell. 9 00:00:48,782 --> 00:00:52,318 He has a long history of civil rights and social 10 00:00:52,318 --> 00:00:56,156 justice activism and has been a real ally to our community. 11 00:00:56,389 --> 00:01:00,527 And so for our mayor, thank you for joining us this early morning. 12 00:01:00,527 --> 00:01:03,196 Mayor Bruce Harrell. 13 00:01:04,697 --> 00:01:05,131 Thank you. 14 00:01:05,131 --> 00:01:06,066 Senior Deputy Mayor. 15 00:01:06,066 --> 00:01:08,601 I was the last one to arrive. 16 00:01:08,601 --> 00:01:11,471 I was waiting for Senior Deputy Mayor Harrell 17 00:01:11,471 --> 00:01:14,040 where she where she where she sits down there waiting for you. 18 00:01:14,674 --> 00:01:18,878 I have some very profound words to say so profound that I wrote them down. 19 00:01:18,878 --> 00:01:21,314 And I don't want to riff, but such an important event. 20 00:01:22,115 --> 00:01:24,517 Many of you know me, know I will riff and get carried away. 21 00:01:26,319 --> 00:01:29,556 Very excited with all of you to share. 22 00:01:29,589 --> 00:01:34,360 Seattle's 11th Annual Pride Flag Raising Day 23 00:01:34,360 --> 00:01:36,930 and to kick off the start of Pride Month with everyone here. 24 00:01:38,631 --> 00:01:40,500 We all know that our community here, 25 00:01:40,500 --> 00:01:44,571 and by that I'm saying LGBTQ+ our community is 26 00:01:44,571 --> 00:01:48,475 a major part of what makes our city a unique, vibrant place to be. 27 00:01:48,475 --> 00:01:51,511 And I say our community because the key is inclusivity. 28 00:01:52,378 --> 00:01:54,180 Loving each other. 29 00:01:54,447 --> 00:01:58,184 Pride is an opportunity to uplift the immeasurable contributions 30 00:01:58,184 --> 00:02:00,286 and achievements 31 00:02:00,787 --> 00:02:04,424 of this community and the present and honor the history 32 00:02:05,291 --> 00:02:09,162 of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the past and work towards 33 00:02:09,162 --> 00:02:13,600 the equitable future that we want to see the future that we have to fight for. 34 00:02:14,667 --> 00:02:16,703 Pride is more than just a parade 35 00:02:16,703 --> 00:02:20,740 or a festival or an opportunity to break bread with one another. 36 00:02:20,740 --> 00:02:24,210 It's a year long experience that comes with many opportunities to support 37 00:02:24,878 --> 00:02:29,415 the LGBTQ+ community from shopping at stores owned 38 00:02:30,183 --> 00:02:34,187 by LGBTQ+ members, their businesses 39 00:02:34,187 --> 00:02:37,323 donating or volunteering, community organizations and causes, 40 00:02:38,925 --> 00:02:41,227 and sadly recognizing 41 00:02:41,227 --> 00:02:45,265 in terms of homelessness youth as an example, the disparities 42 00:02:45,265 --> 00:02:48,268 that the community still feels and endures. 43 00:02:49,969 --> 00:02:52,505 Places seeking to erase 44 00:02:53,473 --> 00:02:58,244 LGBTQ+ history from school curriculums are banning books to discuss 45 00:02:58,711 --> 00:03:02,048 sexual orientation or gender identity, and restricting 46 00:03:02,382 --> 00:03:05,351 transgender people from health care that they deserve. 47 00:03:07,153 --> 00:03:09,789 Well, quite candidly, that will not happen here in Seattle. 48 00:03:10,557 --> 00:03:13,226 That is not what we welcome when we celebrate. 49 00:03:14,160 --> 00:03:16,663 We're just not doing that in Seattle 50 00:03:16,663 --> 00:03:19,132 because we know that our diversity makes us stronger 51 00:03:19,132 --> 00:03:23,770 and why we must send a clear message to our youth, to our adults. 52 00:03:24,871 --> 00:03:25,572 And when I say 53 00:03:25,572 --> 00:03:27,941 youth, I'm talking about me, not you old people, by the way, 54 00:03:29,475 --> 00:03:32,011 because every month we see 55 00:03:32,078 --> 00:03:33,746 and we read about the stories 56 00:03:33,746 --> 00:03:36,115 where the discrimination is real. 57 00:03:37,417 --> 00:03:39,118 We see you, we support you. 58 00:03:39,118 --> 00:03:41,087 We support each other. 59 00:03:41,087 --> 00:03:43,690 You belong here. You are part of our DNA. 60 00:03:43,690 --> 00:03:45,091 We are one family. 61 00:03:45,091 --> 00:03:49,028 When I talk about one Seattle, that's what exactly what it means. 62 00:03:49,796 --> 00:03:52,665 In one Seattle, we stand as a welcoming city for all 63 00:03:53,333 --> 00:03:57,170 and against the rising tide of hateful and discriminatory legislation 64 00:03:57,737 --> 00:04:02,308 directly targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, families and children. 65 00:04:02,709 --> 00:04:03,977 Not here 66 00:04:04,744 --> 00:04:07,814 by leading with our values, we are ensuring Seattle is a place where 67 00:04:07,814 --> 00:04:10,550 everyone's identity and contributions 68 00:04:11,017 --> 00:04:13,720 to our community are valued and respected. 69 00:04:14,254 --> 00:04:17,257 Our city will continue to fight to protect people's rights, 70 00:04:18,524 --> 00:04:21,995 to live freely and as their authentic self. 71 00:04:23,396 --> 00:04:25,632 I want to thank you all for being here. 72 00:04:26,199 --> 00:04:29,702 I want to thank Councilmember Morales, members of the Office of Civil 73 00:04:29,702 --> 00:04:33,940 Rights, the Seattle LGBTQ+ Commission, and many of you community leaders 74 00:04:34,374 --> 00:04:34,841 here today. 75 00:04:34,841 --> 00:04:38,144 As we recommit ourselves to making Seattle a place 76 00:04:38,144 --> 00:04:41,714 where every neighbor can be their authentic selves. 77 00:04:42,248 --> 00:04:44,917 And to me, that is Seattle at its best. 78 00:04:44,917 --> 00:04:46,819 That is the spirit 79 00:04:46,986 --> 00:04:49,222 and the letter of one Seattle. 80 00:04:49,222 --> 00:04:51,057 Thank you for being here with me. 81 00:04:51,057 --> 00:04:54,961 And now I'll turn it over to Councilmember Tammy Morales to proclaim 82 00:04:54,961 --> 00:04:58,698 it Pride Month in Seattle. 83 00:05:02,268 --> 00:05:04,871 Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor 84 00:05:05,171 --> 00:05:08,207 He is way taller than I am. 85 00:05:08,641 --> 00:05:09,976 Well, good morning, everyone. 86 00:05:09,976 --> 00:05:11,978 Thank you so much for being here. 87 00:05:12,345 --> 00:05:16,149 I'm honored to be here again to celebrate the flag raising today. 88 00:05:17,617 --> 00:05:18,251 When I 89 00:05:18,251 --> 00:05:20,787 started thinking about what I wanted to highlight this year. 90 00:05:21,387 --> 00:05:25,124 I thought about how I stood here last year in this same spot 91 00:05:25,558 --> 00:05:28,928 and gave a speech about the history of pride, 92 00:05:28,928 --> 00:05:34,334 about the rootedness and resilience and in pride and in resistance. 93 00:05:35,301 --> 00:05:39,105 At the time, the Supreme Court ruling banning abortion 94 00:05:39,105 --> 00:05:42,909 had just been leaked and there were about 300 bills across the country 95 00:05:43,876 --> 00:05:47,814 that were introduced attacking the LGBTQ community. 96 00:05:49,182 --> 00:05:51,250 It feels bleak to start on that note, 97 00:05:51,718 --> 00:05:55,254 but we saw almost 500 bills introduced this year. 98 00:05:55,254 --> 00:05:56,889 And so this fight is not over. 99 00:05:56,889 --> 00:05:58,358 We know that for sure. 100 00:05:58,358 --> 00:06:02,428 This is specifically attacking the trans community and particularly trans youth, 101 00:06:03,129 --> 00:06:08,468 from restricting health care access to outing kids to their families, banning 102 00:06:08,468 --> 00:06:12,505 student athletes who are playing on teams that match their gender identity. 103 00:06:12,805 --> 00:06:15,875 I know the past few years have been particularly demoralizing. 104 00:06:16,642 --> 00:06:20,380 We're seeing a drastic rise in hate against marginalized communities 105 00:06:20,380 --> 00:06:23,683 across the country, and it's important to note that here in Washington 106 00:06:23,683 --> 00:06:26,819 and even in Seattle, we are not fully immune to this. 107 00:06:26,986 --> 00:06:30,390 Just the other week, I was working with some neighbors 108 00:06:30,790 --> 00:06:35,027 just a few blocks away from where I live who were reporting 109 00:06:35,595 --> 00:06:40,700 homophobic crimes, a series of people who were beaten in my neighborhood, 110 00:06:41,734 --> 00:06:44,237 who were assumed to be gay, 111 00:06:45,772 --> 00:06:47,173 and they were taken to the hospital. 112 00:06:47,173 --> 00:06:51,577 And we are still investigating what happened there so that we make sure 113 00:06:51,577 --> 00:06:56,215 that the people who did it are held to account. 114 00:06:56,649 --> 00:06:59,318 And I will say this is really personal to me. 115 00:07:00,019 --> 00:07:03,423 I don't talk about this much, but my sister and her wife 116 00:07:03,790 --> 00:07:06,859 left Florida about 15 years ago 117 00:07:07,427 --> 00:07:12,131 because they were afraid that they would not both be granted 118 00:07:12,131 --> 00:07:16,269 parental rights for their daughter when only one of them carried her. 119 00:07:17,003 --> 00:07:19,572 So this is real and it's still happening. 120 00:07:19,572 --> 00:07:23,075 And we have to make sure that we are standing firm against this kind of hate 121 00:07:23,276 --> 00:07:26,612 and make sure that we are protecting the legal rights of people 122 00:07:26,612 --> 00:07:30,850 to their children and to their families. 123 00:07:33,352 --> 00:07:34,086 My office and 124 00:07:34,086 --> 00:07:36,656 I meet regularly with young people, in particular 125 00:07:37,089 --> 00:07:40,893 in the South End who are already exhausted by this world. 126 00:07:40,927 --> 00:07:44,163 We know that our young people are experiencing increased mental health 127 00:07:44,163 --> 00:07:47,967 issues and anxiety, and I know many of us are also feeling this, 128 00:07:48,701 --> 00:07:53,539 but then I remind myself and my community reminds me that hope is a discipline. 129 00:07:54,440 --> 00:07:58,277 Hope isn't an emotion, as Mariame Kaba reminds us. 130 00:07:58,478 --> 00:08:01,747 Hope is hard work and we have to practice it every day. 131 00:08:02,815 --> 00:08:04,984 So for me, this means knowing our values. 132 00:08:05,485 --> 00:08:08,221 It means acting in accordance with our values 133 00:08:08,221 --> 00:08:11,257 and fighting like hell for the liberation of our neighbors. 134 00:08:11,591 --> 00:08:17,263 The justice that Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera and Ms. Major 135 00:08:17,263 --> 00:08:20,132 all held, and many others who fought before us. 136 00:08:20,266 --> 00:08:25,004 This means acknowledging that queer and trans liberation is housing justice. 137 00:08:26,038 --> 00:08:26,572 Queer and 138 00:08:26,572 --> 00:08:29,041 trans liberation is economic justice, 139 00:08:29,609 --> 00:08:32,645 and queer and trans liberation is health care Justice. 140 00:08:33,713 --> 00:08:35,815 It's strong protection for workers. 141 00:08:36,349 --> 00:08:38,818 Funding for culturally responsive youth 142 00:08:38,818 --> 00:08:44,223 mental health access, access to shelter and housing without discrimination, 143 00:08:44,524 --> 00:08:48,494 and it's a loud and vehement opposition to any attempts to further 144 00:08:48,494 --> 00:08:52,632 stigmatize as are vulnerable populations for simply existing. 145 00:08:53,599 --> 00:08:57,270 So today, I'm proud to be here in partnership with the LGBTQ 146 00:08:57,270 --> 00:09:00,406 Commission, with Mayor Harrell, with the City Council, 147 00:09:00,640 --> 00:09:04,310 in proclaiming This month, June 2023, Pride Month. 148 00:09:04,877 --> 00:09:07,013 And now I want to invite to the podium 149 00:09:07,013 --> 00:09:11,817 Lillian Williamson, a member of our Get engaged LGBTQ commissioner, 150 00:09:12,218 --> 00:09:14,887 who will read the proclamation and present remarks as well. 151 00:09:14,921 --> 00:09:18,491 Thank you very much for being here, everyone. 152 00:09:22,695 --> 00:09:24,397 Thank you so much, Councilwoman. 153 00:09:24,397 --> 00:09:26,499 Hello, my name is Lillian Williamson. 154 00:09:26,499 --> 00:09:31,003 I use she/her pronouns and I'm here today on behalf of Seattle's LGBTQ Commission. 155 00:09:31,504 --> 00:09:34,807 Our commission serves as a liaison between the concerns of LGBT, 156 00:09:34,807 --> 00:09:36,876 Seattle's LGBTQ community 157 00:09:36,876 --> 00:09:40,446 and the Mayor's office, the city council, and other forms of city government. 158 00:09:40,780 --> 00:09:43,616 I am honored to be here today to read the City of Seattle's 159 00:09:43,616 --> 00:09:47,520 LGBTQ Pride Month proclamation and then deliver some remarks. 160 00:09:48,054 --> 00:09:51,290 Whereas, Seattle is home to some of the nation's most active 161 00:09:51,290 --> 00:09:54,193 individuals and organizations working to ensure the full 162 00:09:54,327 --> 00:09:58,598 and equal recognition and protection of the fundamental rights and liberties 163 00:09:58,598 --> 00:10:02,401 of the transgender, lesbian, bisexual, gay, two spirit, 164 00:10:02,401 --> 00:10:06,038 nonbinary, queer individuals, and their families. And 165 00:10:06,339 --> 00:10:11,110 WHEREAS, the Seattle communities in Seattle are an integral and vibrant part 166 00:10:11,110 --> 00:10:14,714 of the academic, economic and artistic social spheres in Seattle. 167 00:10:15,247 --> 00:10:18,551 And. WHEREAS, the month of June was designated Pride Month 168 00:10:18,551 --> 00:10:22,388 to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, a series of demonstrations 169 00:10:22,388 --> 00:10:26,592 led by black and brown trans women occurring in June 1969 170 00:10:26,726 --> 00:10:30,997 and generally recognized as the catalyst of the LGBTQ civil rights movement. 171 00:10:31,364 --> 00:10:34,233 And. WHEREAS, over 45 years ago, 172 00:10:34,367 --> 00:10:38,304 Seattle held its first lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer 173 00:10:38,304 --> 00:10:40,039 celebration, an iconic 174 00:10:40,039 --> 00:10:43,909 event vital to our unified effort to forge a more open and just society. 175 00:10:44,276 --> 00:10:46,879 And. WHEREAS, each June, Seattle encourages 176 00:10:46,879 --> 00:10:51,417 its residents to celebrate the progress within our culture towards justice, equity 177 00:10:51,517 --> 00:10:54,186 and full recognition for LGBTQ persons. 178 00:10:54,420 --> 00:10:58,057 And join us in the fight to eradicate prejudice and discrimination everywhere. 179 00:10:58,491 --> 00:11:02,528 And now, therefore, the Mayor and Seattle City Council hereby proclaim 180 00:11:02,862 --> 00:11:05,665 June 2023 to be LGBTQ 181 00:11:05,665 --> 00:11:07,400 Pride Month. 182 00:11:13,406 --> 00:11:14,040 Thank you. 183 00:11:14,040 --> 00:11:16,242 And now I’ll deliver some remarks. 184 00:11:16,242 --> 00:11:20,246 This past year has seen an increasing amount of direct attacks on the LGBTQ+ 185 00:11:20,513 --> 00:11:24,717 community in the past year alone, there have been 540 186 00:11:24,950 --> 00:11:28,954 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in state legislatures, which is a record 187 00:11:28,954 --> 00:11:34,060 number of these, 220 specifically target transgender and non-binary people. 188 00:11:34,527 --> 00:11:38,297 45 of these anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been enacted in laws 189 00:11:38,364 --> 00:11:41,467 so far this year, and most of these legislative attacks 190 00:11:41,467 --> 00:11:45,805 are centered on LGBTQ youth, especially youth of color and trans youth. 191 00:11:46,238 --> 00:11:49,175 Nationwide, lawmakers are attempting to deny queer 192 00:11:49,175 --> 00:11:52,578 you health care, attacking their ability to participate in their communities 193 00:11:52,778 --> 00:11:54,714 and denying them their fundamental rights 194 00:11:54,714 --> 00:11:57,550 to see themselves represented and to be affirmed for who they are. 195 00:11:58,084 --> 00:12:01,821 And this isn't something that's just happening in Florida or Texas or Idaho. 196 00:12:01,987 --> 00:12:05,324 Our communities are still under threat in Washington and in Seattle. 197 00:12:05,591 --> 00:12:07,359 It is incredibly important 198 00:12:07,359 --> 00:12:10,730 that we do not become complacent as a community and as a city. 199 00:12:11,330 --> 00:12:13,866 I spent the last few years leading youth groups and serving 200 00:12:13,866 --> 00:12:16,569 as a mentor to LGBTQ+ young people in Seattle, 201 00:12:16,869 --> 00:12:18,337 and I can tell you firsthand 202 00:12:18,337 --> 00:12:22,007 that we are not immune to the nationwide issues that the queer community faces. 203 00:12:22,341 --> 00:12:24,577 I regularly work with young people who are homeless, 204 00:12:24,777 --> 00:12:28,280 who can't access lifesaving healthcare, and who endure systemic violence 205 00:12:28,447 --> 00:12:31,817 and who struggle with behavioral health issues that they can't find treatment for. 206 00:12:32,051 --> 00:12:35,488 And as a young person myself, I see this play out in my community 207 00:12:36,155 --> 00:12:38,758 as an LGBTQ community and as a city, 208 00:12:38,758 --> 00:12:41,861 we have a responsibility to uplift and to protect our youth. 209 00:12:42,228 --> 00:12:45,831 The LGBTQ commission applauds the city on its work this last year for 210 00:12:45,831 --> 00:12:50,469 making our city safer and more accessible for the LGBTQ community. 211 00:12:50,603 --> 00:12:53,606 Especially with its work in partnership with the King County's health 212 00:12:53,639 --> 00:12:56,642 or Housing program, which works to make housing more accessible 213 00:12:56,642 --> 00:13:00,112 to the LGBTQ community members who need it most. 214 00:13:00,946 --> 00:13:04,416 But we still call for further action to protect our community and our youth. 215 00:13:04,683 --> 00:13:07,753 We call on the city to invest in more affordable, high quality 216 00:13:07,753 --> 00:13:11,157 and safe housing and to invest in community focused solutions 217 00:13:11,157 --> 00:13:14,660 to address public safety in ways that actually keep our community safe. 218 00:13:15,094 --> 00:13:18,564 This means partnering with community organizations, supporting basic 219 00:13:18,564 --> 00:13:21,367 needs, funding for things like food banks and behavioral health support. 220 00:13:21,700 --> 00:13:24,069 It also means not criminalizing homelessness. 221 00:13:24,336 --> 00:13:26,739 It does not mean sweeping houseless communities 222 00:13:26,739 --> 00:13:28,908 without providing them adequate housing resources. 223 00:13:29,241 --> 00:13:33,112 We urge the city to focus on restorative, non punitive solutions 224 00:13:33,112 --> 00:13:36,182 to the behavioral health care crisis, and we ask the city 225 00:13:36,182 --> 00:13:38,651 to consistently and proactively partner with the 226 00:13:38,651 --> 00:13:44,056 LGBTQ+ Commission, which would demonstrate real commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. 227 00:13:44,056 --> 00:13:47,092 Seattle has a responsibility to uplift and take care of its 228 00:13:47,092 --> 00:13:50,362 LGBTQ community, especially it’s youth. 229 00:13:50,362 --> 00:13:54,333 Thank you. 230 00:14:00,673 --> 00:14:01,607 Thank you so much. 231 00:14:01,607 --> 00:14:05,444 And now it's my honor to introduce Taffy Johnson, executive director 232 00:14:05,444 --> 00:14:07,680 of UTOPIA Washington. 233 00:14:13,919 --> 00:14:14,987 Telofa lava. 234 00:14:15,087 --> 00:14:18,190 Hello and Happy Pride Month to everyone joining us today. 235 00:14:19,658 --> 00:14:20,759 My name is Taffy. 236 00:14:20,759 --> 00:14:24,697 I am representing the United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance 237 00:14:24,964 --> 00:14:26,498 here in Washington. 238 00:14:26,498 --> 00:14:30,069 I hope that you are all feeling safe, 239 00:14:30,603 --> 00:14:33,105 healthy, loved and supported. 240 00:14:33,772 --> 00:14:35,574 While we're celebrating Pride Month. 241 00:14:35,574 --> 00:14:37,643 We know there's still more work to do. 242 00:14:38,077 --> 00:14:40,813 As we've grown, so has our culture. 243 00:14:41,280 --> 00:14:42,948 A lot of changes. 244 00:14:42,948 --> 00:14:44,783 A lot has changed. 245 00:14:44,783 --> 00:14:47,653 And transitions have been difficult. 246 00:14:47,653 --> 00:14:52,024 And we faced a lot of them these past years with uncertainty. 247 00:14:52,958 --> 00:14:56,528 So Pride Month holds so many different things for many of us. 248 00:14:56,996 --> 00:15:00,466 While it's a celebration for most and it should, right? 249 00:15:01,100 --> 00:15:04,103 But it's also a crucial time for remembering 250 00:15:04,103 --> 00:15:06,772 where we come from and all we have fought for. 251 00:15:07,506 --> 00:15:10,809 And it's also about coming together to honor, 252 00:15:11,076 --> 00:15:13,512 to celebrate, and support our 253 00:15:13,512 --> 00:15:16,815 two spirit LGBTQIA+ community. 254 00:15:17,783 --> 00:15:18,651 I know and I 255 00:15:18,651 --> 00:15:22,821 recognize how difficult it has been for many of us during the pandemic, 256 00:15:23,289 --> 00:15:26,525 especially our queer and trans youth. 257 00:15:26,625 --> 00:15:31,630 That pandemic, the pandemic has altered our access to our loved ones, 258 00:15:32,164 --> 00:15:34,233 access to our chosen family, 259 00:15:35,100 --> 00:15:38,537 hosting our favorite events, our interest. 260 00:15:39,138 --> 00:15:43,208 The reality is that many of us had to hide our identities 261 00:15:43,742 --> 00:15:46,946 or suppress parts of ourselves for our own safety. 262 00:15:47,680 --> 00:15:52,418 Many have had parts of our identity invalidated or not celebrated, 263 00:15:52,952 --> 00:15:57,156 which contributed to issues like mental health. 264 00:15:57,890 --> 00:16:00,960 And this, on top of everything else, have caused 265 00:16:00,960 --> 00:16:03,996 emotional and familial problems. 266 00:16:04,730 --> 00:16:07,599 Not to mention that it probably stressed 267 00:16:07,900 --> 00:16:10,436 you out in new and terrifying ways. 268 00:16:11,570 --> 00:16:15,207 Our trans youth lives have been disrupted 269 00:16:15,541 --> 00:16:18,277 in ways that most adults cannot understand, 270 00:16:18,744 --> 00:16:21,213 and for some leading to an increase 271 00:16:21,347 --> 00:16:25,884 in anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, 272 00:16:25,884 --> 00:16:29,021 there is a lack of celebration for our trans youth. 273 00:16:29,488 --> 00:16:33,559 A lack of affirmation, visibility and validation. 274 00:16:34,126 --> 00:16:38,630 Friends, please do not underestimate the power of visibility. 275 00:16:39,231 --> 00:16:41,767 There are still places in this country 276 00:16:42,001 --> 00:16:45,004 where we are being legislated out of existence. 277 00:16:45,270 --> 00:16:49,274 There are places where you can't say gay, which is really saying 278 00:16:49,274 --> 00:16:53,846 that it is not okay for us to be. To our trans youth, 279 00:16:54,046 --> 00:16:57,116 we love you. Despite every obstacle, 280 00:16:57,116 --> 00:16:59,084 you did the best you could. 281 00:16:59,084 --> 00:17:03,355 Even when you felt like you weren't, even when you were struggling 282 00:17:03,355 --> 00:17:05,991 to focus or remain motivated. 283 00:17:06,458 --> 00:17:10,229 I know being resilient can be exhausting, and I know 284 00:17:10,329 --> 00:17:13,599 I hope that you all found support when you needed it. 285 00:17:14,500 --> 00:17:17,903 And so everyone here, we will live loudly 286 00:17:18,404 --> 00:17:21,640 so that every trans, every queer youth, 287 00:17:22,141 --> 00:17:27,079 every LGBTQ member will know that there is a life ahead. 288 00:17:27,513 --> 00:17:29,948 These institutions of oppression 289 00:17:30,249 --> 00:17:34,653 may be able to deny the storm, but they cannot silence the wind. 290 00:17:34,920 --> 00:17:39,758 They will build walls and put us in cages, but we will tear them down. 291 00:17:40,092 --> 00:17:42,594 We are the future generations. 292 00:17:42,628 --> 00:17:45,297 Our trans babies are the future. 293 00:17:45,631 --> 00:17:47,699 Our queer babies need us. 294 00:17:47,933 --> 00:17:49,968 They will need your support. 295 00:17:49,968 --> 00:17:51,203 They will need you at 296 00:17:51,203 --> 00:17:56,408 every march, every protest, every event, every fight. 297 00:17:56,742 --> 00:17:59,978 But more than all of that, they need to see you. 298 00:18:00,279 --> 00:18:03,816 They need to see us living loudly. 299 00:18:04,083 --> 00:18:06,218 They need to see us thriving. 300 00:18:06,518 --> 00:18:08,020 Because it matters. 301 00:18:08,020 --> 00:18:11,723 Seeing you is a clear indicator to them 302 00:18:11,723 --> 00:18:15,794 that there is life beyond their current circumstances. 303 00:18:16,195 --> 00:18:18,397 They need to see us thrive. 304 00:18:18,397 --> 00:18:20,766 365 days, 305 00:18:21,033 --> 00:18:26,004 not just in June at Pride Month events, our queer and trans 306 00:18:26,004 --> 00:18:33,345 babies need to see us live and so many LGBTQ family be visible. 307 00:18:33,645 --> 00:18:35,013 Be loud. 308 00:18:35,013 --> 00:18:41,820 Be exactly who you are and all of who you are because you are beautiful, 309 00:18:41,820 --> 00:18:43,388 and it saves lives. 310 00:18:43,388 --> 00:18:45,390 Happy pride everyone. 311 00:18:47,693 --> 00:18:50,329 Please welcome my friend and colleague, 312 00:18:50,329 --> 00:18:56,668 Executive Director Stephen Sawyer, of POCAAN. 313 00:18:59,738 --> 00:19:02,107 Thank you, Taffy. Happy pride, everyone. 314 00:19:03,342 --> 00:19:03,609 I want 315 00:19:03,609 --> 00:19:07,980 to say thanks to the city of Seattle, to Mayor Harrell and his team to the Office 316 00:19:07,980 --> 00:19:12,184 of Civil Rights, as well as to the Seattle LGBT Commission for this invitation. 317 00:19:12,651 --> 00:19:16,922 The Pride Movement has been a long standing fight for equity and justice 318 00:19:17,556 --> 00:19:22,494 for the LGBTQIA, Two Spirited + Community. 319 00:19:22,494 --> 00:19:23,996 In the streets of New York. 320 00:19:23,996 --> 00:19:28,000 On a late summer night in 1969, the first brick was thrown 321 00:19:28,433 --> 00:19:31,603 that launched the Stonewall uprising, an uprising 322 00:19:31,603 --> 00:19:35,407 that marked a new turning point in the LGBTQ activism 323 00:19:36,508 --> 00:19:38,977 and liberation in the United States. 324 00:19:39,745 --> 00:19:42,247 But few recognize that the black LGBTQ 325 00:19:42,247 --> 00:19:45,184 community also has been a part and been at the forefront 326 00:19:45,417 --> 00:19:49,588 of this pride movement throughout history, including Stonewall leaders like 327 00:19:49,588 --> 00:19:53,325 Storme DeLarverie, Marsha P. Johnson, 328 00:19:53,325 --> 00:19:56,828 Bayard Rustin, Gary (????) 329 00:19:58,530 --> 00:19:59,464 Alvin Ailey, 330 00:19:59,464 --> 00:20:03,435 James Baldwin all challenged societal norms and inspired 331 00:20:03,435 --> 00:20:07,439 generations that followed to speak truth to power in our community. 332 00:20:07,873 --> 00:20:11,143 Their contributions have often been erased and downplayed 333 00:20:11,476 --> 00:20:14,379 in the mainstream narrative, but it's important for us 334 00:20:14,379 --> 00:20:17,082 to acknowledge their bravery and their resilience 335 00:20:17,416 --> 00:20:21,019 standing up against police brutality and discrimination 336 00:20:21,453 --> 00:20:25,657 and despite the disadvantages that they've had, we've seen crucial 337 00:20:25,924 --> 00:20:31,096 of the crucial fight advance in years, in these few years past, 338 00:20:31,563 --> 00:20:34,166 in the intersections of race, gender and sexuality 339 00:20:34,399 --> 00:20:37,269 has been made great movements and improvements. 340 00:20:38,403 --> 00:20:41,540 But the reality of it is there still are so many 341 00:20:41,540 --> 00:20:45,544 that are still plagued with injustice across the country. 342 00:20:46,178 --> 00:20:49,982 It's movements like the Black Lives Matter and Black Pride 343 00:20:50,282 --> 00:20:52,751 that have really come together to fight hate. 344 00:20:53,118 --> 00:20:55,787 And many of these hate bills that have been created 345 00:20:56,221 --> 00:20:59,324 that create more dangerous environments for our community. 346 00:20:59,925 --> 00:21:02,961 We see how these strides toward equity 347 00:21:03,161 --> 00:21:07,499 have not been shared by all of our members of the LGBT community. 348 00:21:07,899 --> 00:21:09,601 And today there is a. 349 00:21:09,601 --> 00:21:12,504 There is a rise in anti LGBT bills 350 00:21:13,005 --> 00:21:16,808 for non-binary bathroom laws to anti-drag bills. 351 00:21:17,376 --> 00:21:22,314 Racial disparities persist with black and brown LGBT individuals 352 00:21:22,314 --> 00:21:26,952 too often facing additional layers of discrimination and marginalization. 353 00:21:27,619 --> 00:21:30,756 As such, the new fight for equity in the LGBT 354 00:21:30,756 --> 00:21:33,859 movement must center on the comprehensive 355 00:21:33,859 --> 00:21:36,194 understanding of intersectionality. 356 00:21:37,095 --> 00:21:40,499 This means recognizing how different aspects of identity, 357 00:21:40,699 --> 00:21:44,202 overlap and impact individuals experience of oppression. 358 00:21:45,470 --> 00:21:47,706 It is also, it also means that acknowledging 359 00:21:47,706 --> 00:21:51,209 the ways in which white supremacy and anti-blackness 360 00:21:51,810 --> 00:21:56,848 and the patriarchy have persisted in discrimination against LGBT 361 00:21:56,848 --> 00:22:01,086 people, particularly for those who are black and brown and trans 362 00:22:02,120 --> 00:22:04,990 pride, must be a celebration and a demonstration. 363 00:22:05,557 --> 00:22:08,160 We must celebrate with the events like today's 364 00:22:08,160 --> 00:22:11,229 flag raising and the upcoming Pride parade. 365 00:22:11,229 --> 00:22:14,900 But we must continue to demonstrate and to unveil the 366 00:22:15,067 --> 00:22:18,670 the need for a greater equity and equality in areas 367 00:22:18,670 --> 00:22:21,840 such as employment, housing, healthcare, education. 368 00:22:22,341 --> 00:22:24,142 Until we are all safe, 369 00:22:24,142 --> 00:22:29,281 no one is safe. Until we, we are all free to be our true selves, 370 00:22:29,614 --> 00:22:31,216 no one is free. 371 00:22:31,216 --> 00:22:35,787 As we continue to push forward toward progress in this fight for LGBT rights, 372 00:22:35,821 --> 00:22:41,159 it's critical that we center and uplift the voices from all communities, 373 00:22:41,460 --> 00:22:45,297 but especially for those who have historically been silenced. 374 00:22:45,630 --> 00:22:48,333 Thank you. 375 00:22:56,074 --> 00:22:58,076 Listening to our speakers today, 376 00:22:58,076 --> 00:23:01,880 I am reminded of the saying Love is a verb. 377 00:23:03,248 --> 00:23:05,317 Love is a verb. It is an action. 378 00:23:05,317 --> 00:23:06,985 It is an act. 379 00:23:06,985 --> 00:23:09,154 It is something that we must do. 380 00:23:09,187 --> 00:23:11,590 It is not passive. 381 00:23:11,590 --> 00:23:15,093 When I think about Pride Month, what is the point of Pride Month? 382 00:23:15,127 --> 00:23:16,328 It is 383 00:23:16,728 --> 00:23:20,365 living your true selves, your authentic self, living out loud. 384 00:23:21,533 --> 00:23:26,071 It is being forward with who you are 385 00:23:26,838 --> 00:23:30,442 in all of your glory and your full identity. 386 00:23:32,310 --> 00:23:35,213 In this year 2023. 387 00:23:35,213 --> 00:23:38,617 We are going to stop giving out cookies. 388 00:23:39,184 --> 00:23:41,453 Allies no longer get cookies 389 00:23:42,087 --> 00:23:44,322 just for saying they stand with us. 390 00:23:45,257 --> 00:23:48,627 This is the year where demonstration 391 00:23:48,794 --> 00:23:52,397 and actions are what is important. 392 00:23:52,898 --> 00:23:57,269 This is the year where it is no longer acceptable to sit on the sidelines. 393 00:23:57,502 --> 00:24:00,705 We've had a couple of years where we've been knocked down. 394 00:24:00,872 --> 00:24:02,340 We've dusted ourselves off. 395 00:24:02,340 --> 00:24:04,810 And now is the time for action. 396 00:24:05,877 --> 00:24:08,780 Love is a verb. 397 00:24:08,780 --> 00:24:13,084 If we love ourselves, if we love our community, 398 00:24:13,084 --> 00:24:16,688 this is where we take action. 399 00:24:16,688 --> 00:24:21,326 So on this June 1st, this is not the moment 400 00:24:21,326 --> 00:24:24,563 where we raise the flag and we let the symbol fly. 401 00:24:25,130 --> 00:24:27,566 It is, What are we going to do 402 00:24:27,799 --> 00:24:30,735 to put that love, that authenticity, 403 00:24:30,936 --> 00:24:33,839 that authenticity into action? 404 00:24:34,606 --> 00:24:37,342 How are we going to not just say to our youth, 405 00:24:37,609 --> 00:24:40,745 we love you, we support you, but what are we going to do 406 00:24:40,745 --> 00:24:45,650 to put boots on the ground to show them that they are worthy, 407 00:24:45,650 --> 00:24:50,055 that they have a place to show our elders they are worthy. 408 00:24:50,055 --> 00:24:54,826 They have a place to show that grace and demonstration to each other 409 00:24:55,760 --> 00:24:58,864 that we are worthy and that we have a place. 410 00:25:03,368 --> 00:25:07,105 This is our time for action. 411 00:25:07,105 --> 00:25:10,242 We spend so much time being small 412 00:25:10,509 --> 00:25:13,044 for a world that won't accept us how we are. 413 00:25:14,112 --> 00:25:18,717 This month is where we get to be our authentic selves. 414 00:25:19,117 --> 00:25:20,285 Be who you are. 415 00:25:20,285 --> 00:25:22,988 Love who you love. 416 00:25:23,154 --> 00:25:26,224 Support and value those around you. 417 00:25:27,125 --> 00:25:28,960 We are human. 418 00:25:28,960 --> 00:25:31,963 Embrace all that that humanity has to offer. 419 00:25:33,698 --> 00:25:37,903 So thank you for joining us here on this day. 420 00:25:38,036 --> 00:25:40,505 June 1st, the kick off the pride. 421 00:25:41,239 --> 00:25:46,144 But remember, this isn't just rainbows and parties and fun. 422 00:25:46,177 --> 00:25:48,280 This is love in action. 423 00:25:48,480 --> 00:25:51,816 What are we going to do with and for each other 424 00:25:52,017 --> 00:25:57,122 to ensure our future and our liberation? 425 00:25:57,122 --> 00:26:00,358 For all of those who are working here, All of you out here. 426 00:26:01,426 --> 00:26:03,361 I see your faces. 427 00:26:03,361 --> 00:26:05,030 I know how hard you work. 428 00:26:06,097 --> 00:26:07,599 I've been to a few bars 429 00:26:07,599 --> 00:26:11,436 where I've seen how hard you play to. 430 00:26:11,436 --> 00:26:12,304 And that's all right. 431 00:26:12,304 --> 00:26:14,339 Because if you work hard, you got to play hard. 432 00:26:15,540 --> 00:26:18,877 But now is the time that we put in that work together. 433 00:26:19,244 --> 00:26:21,613 We cannot let them divide us. 434 00:26:21,613 --> 00:26:26,084 It is only through our togetherness and our strength that we will be successful 435 00:26:26,217 --> 00:26:31,423 and that we will take back what is ours, which is our full, authentic selves. 436 00:26:31,823 --> 00:26:32,958 Thank you so much. 437 00:26:32,958 --> 00:26:33,758 I want everybody 438 00:26:33,758 --> 00:26:37,796 to have an opportunity to crank this flag, so I'm going to take the first crank. 439 00:26:38,029 --> 00:26:40,065 But then let's line up and do it together. 440 00:26:40,098 --> 00:26:41,232 Thank you. 441 00:26:54,279 --> 00:26:55,513 All right.