On March 31, Transgender Day of Visibility, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell signed the Welcoming City ordinance, which reaffirms the city's commitment to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, in particular those seeking access to or providing reproductive healthcare or gender-affirming care, similar to statewide legislation in place.

The SGN broke the news
about the ordinance's passage last week.

"We cannot afford to stand by, we cannot afford to wait and see," said Patti Hearn, executive director of Seattle Pride. "This ordinance speaks to many people living here... Seattle is a haven. The sad reality is we shouldn't need a haven, but our rights are under attack, a coordinated attack across the country."

Hearn added that visibility is crucial but that protection, affirmation, action, and advocacy are needed now more than ever.

Mayor Harrell told the SGN that he thinks we have one of the strongest community-based organizations in the country on Capitol Hill, and he said the city has the infrastructure for people to join in and be "louder," which is the theme of this year's Seattle Pride. He said he is prepared to fight against anti-LGBTQIA+ attacks in unprecedented ways.

"People here, they've been targeted their whole life. We're not afraid to be a target." Harrell said when asked if Seattle would be in the sights of the Trump administration. He encouraged Seattle residents to become vocal in their communities; to interrupt and stop bigotry or hate when they hear or see it, and to let others know they are an ally.

"[LGBTQIA+ people] are being threatened, so anything that we are able to provide or give is so much appreciated," Harrell said. "There's so much that individuals can do, especially when it comes to all of the different organizations that are pulling back their resources and their DEI initiatives... If you have the money, money is really important right now. Our funds are being taken away from us."

He added that people can refuse to work with organizations and companies that roll back DEI initiatives and find other ones whose values are aligned with one's own, something everyone can do in their day-to-day lives.

"Interrupt the bullying immediately. That's what we do with children." said Hearn, who also works as an educator. "Vote with your dollars. We're having the biggest effect with the people closest to us."