On February 24, the Shoreline City Council unanimously approved Resolution 542, which affirms the city's commitment to ensure that it is a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all, including LGBTQIA2S+ people, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or gender expression.

"On behalf of the Queer community, we are under relentless attack, as I'm pretty sure everyone knows now, and any pushback on that is more than welcome. We need safe spaces," Fran, a community member who has lived in Shoreline for 11 years and been a healthcare worker for about 50, said during the public comment period. "I've done many ambulance calls where I've transported Transgender people who were suicidal. It's a very common thing in the community."

Jim Hammond, Shoreline's city manager, said the city had previously adopted Res. 401, which declared Shoreline to be an inviting and equitable space for all, and that Res. 542 would affirm that, even with ongoing harassment, bullying, and intimidation at the local and national levels.

"When we speak of creating safe and protected spaces for vulnerable populations, we are not engaging in abstract policy discussions. We are talking about saving lives," said Jess Brammer, who also testified during the public comments. "LGBTQ+ youth who live in accepting communities and have access to affirming spaces experience significantly lower rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide."

As a Queer, Brammer said she wholeheartedly supports Res. 542, and that every time a city, school, or institution declares itself a safe haven, it's tossing out a lifeline to LGBTQIA+ people who may be struggling to find a place in the world.

Kevin Barrett, vice president of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce but speaking as a private citizen, testified in support. He said the resolution is not merely words on paper but a reaffirmation of principles that make the city safe.

Shoreline has now joined the Olympia as the only two Washington cities with such pro-LGBTQIA+ resolutions.