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50 Years of Seattle Pride + Where to Celebrate in Washington
Seattle Pride Celebrates Fifty Years
Join the milestone and explore Pride across the state
written by Ryn Pfeuffer
Hey there, my fabulous queer fam and supportive allies! As Pride Month unfolds, it’s time to rally together. As some states propose bills threatening LGBTQIA+ rights, our unity is more vital than ever. Let’s fight for our rights while honoring the trailblazing lesbians and transgender women of color who paved the way. Remember, the first Pride was a riot led by LGBTQIA+ people of color against injustice. (To learn more, check out Stonewall Forever, a documentary that brings together voices from more than fifty years of LGBTQIA+ activism to explore the ongoing legacy of Stonewall.)
In Seattle, our LGBTQIA+ pride has flourished over fifty years into a vibrant celebration of diversity and resilience. This year, as we mark the fiftieth anniversary of Pride Week, our theme is “Now!”—a rallying cry for recognition that transcends time. It’s a moment to reflect on our community’s unwavering resilience, from past struggles to present triumphs. As we come together, let’s support LGBTQIA+-owned businesses and reject rainbow capitalism. Instead of performative gestures, let’s donate to vital charities like The Trevor Project and Trans Lifeline and directly support queer folks’ crowdfunding campaigns.
Delving into LGBTQIA+ history isn’t just about dates and facts—it’s about understanding the stories and struggles that have shaped our communities. It’s about empathy, inclusivity and celebrating the resilience of those who have paved the way for equality. Join us in exploring Seattle’s journey to acceptance with this timeline of key moments. Let’s dig into the stories together, honor the progress made and keep marching toward a future where everyone is celebrated for who they are.
Note: This historical timeline sometimes includes biased language from source material reflecting past eras rather than using more appropriate language for today.
Seattle LGBTQIA+ History
Early 1900s
“Fairyville” thrives in Pioneer Square amid a backdrop of police corruption targeting LGBTQ+ and minority-owned establishments, culminating in legal action and anti-harassment legislation in the 1970s, while transgender man Harry Allen garners sensationalist media attention from 1900 to his passing in 1922.
1933
Seattle’s inaugural after-hours establishment, The Casino, debuts in Pioneer Square, later evolving into Madame Peabody’s Dancing Academy, renowned as a rare West Coast venue permitting same-sex dancing.
1934
Gay bars thrive in Pioneer Square post-Prohibition, notably with the launch of The Double Header featuring drag shows and “The Cracker Barrel” oompah band, later claiming the title of the longest-running gay bar on the West Coast until its closure in 2015.
1946
Seattle’s first gay-owned bar, The Garden of Allah, at the Arlington Hotel basement, Post Alley & Seneca, features vaudeville, burlesque and variety shows with female impersonators, fostering community for ten years.
1950
Seattle’s inaugural lesbian bar, The Hub, debuts on Denny Way, followed swiftly by the Grand Union, Sappho’s Tavern and the Silver Slipper.
1967
Seattle’s pioneering Dorian Society launches for awareness and advocacy, birthing The Seattle Counseling Services for Sexual Minorities in 1969, now known as Seattle Counseling Services.
1970
The Gay Liberation Front’s Seattle chapter forms one year post-Stonewall.
1970
The Lesbian Mothers Defense Fund is founded in Seattle.
1970
The House of LaBeija, founded in NYC, inspires Kiki Balls nationwide, including those in the Pacific Northwest.
1970
Pioneer Square earns its historic stripes, but rising costs drive LGBTQIA+ bars to Capitol Hill, the new vibrant hub, while fierce young lesbian feminists rally in the University District.
1971
The first Gay Community Center opens near Pioneer Square.
1971
The Lesbian Resource Center opens in the University District.
1971
Washington state repeals its sodomy law.
1973
The City of Seattle ordinances ban discrimination in employment against sexual minorities.
1973
Following a freak accident at a 1970 Bastille Day parade in Pioneer Square, where she lost her leg to a cannon blast, Shelly Bauman boldly opens Seattle’s first unabashedly gay disco, aptly named Shelly’s Leg. It swiftly became a beloved hot spot until its closure in 1977.
1974
Seattle’s debut Gay Pride Week, curated by activist David Neth, kicks off with a bang: a picnic, street dance and lively march in Occidental Square Park. The festivities continue with a wild “Gay-In” at Seattle Center’s International Fountain and a roller-skating sing-along atop Volunteer Park Water Tower.
1974
Seattle Gay News (SGN), the nation’s third-oldest LGBTQIA+ publication, emerges as a vital voice, spotlighting issues within Seattle’s queer community.
1976
Gov. Dan Evans signs a bill to decriminalize anti-sodomy laws in Washington state.
1977
Seattle Mayor Wes Uhlman inaugurates Gay Pride Week, featuring the first Seattle Pride Parade with 2,000+ attendees from Occidental Square Park to Westlake Park via First Avenue—the route shifts between First Avenue and Capitol Hill until permanently settling on Broadway in the early ’80s.
1977
The Ingersoll Gender Center opens.
1977
Black and White Men Together, renamed Men of All Colors and Cultures Together, was established in Seattle to combat racism in the gay community.
1978
The City of Seattle ordinances ban discrimination in housing against sexual minorities.
1978
Two Seattle police officers initiated Initiative 13 under the banner of Save Our Moral Ethics, aiming to repeal anti-discrimination ordinances. The Seattle Committee Against Thirteen/Women Against Thirteen mobilizes protests in Occidental Square against the initiative. Seattle voters overwhelmingly reject it by 63 percent.
1979
Seattle’s PFLAG chapter is established.
1981
The Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) forms to promote support for gay-owned businesses.
1982
Seattle reports its first AIDS case. Over the next decade, AIDS claims more than 3,500 lives in the city, predominantly among gay men.
1983
Seattle becomes the second city in the nation to allocate funds for AIDS research and treatment.
1983
King County includes sexual orientation protections in its housing ordinance.
1987
Cal Anderson makes history as the first openly gay member of the Washington State Legislature, representing Seattle’s 43rd District.
1987
People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN) is founded.
1991
Sherry Harris became the first self-identified lesbian elected to the Seattle City Council.
1991
Lambert House is established as a drop-in center for gay youth, the first in the U.S.
1991
Entre Hermanos is formed to promote the health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ Latinos.
1992
Seattle Pride festivities officially embrace bisexual and transgender identities (LGBT) for the first time.
1992
Bailey-Boushay House, run by Virginia Mason Medical Center, opens as the nation’s first nursing care residence for individuals with HIV/AIDS.
1997
Activists convene outside Seattle Central Community College for the nation’s first Trans Pride rally, showing support for “those crossing, having crossed or challenging gender and biological borders.”
1997
Trikone Northwest is formed to support LGBTQIA+ South Asians in Seattle.
2000
Camp Ten Trees is established as one of the earliest summer camps catering to questioning or LGBTQIA+ youth.
2003
Capitol Hill’s Lincoln Park is renamed Cal Anderson Park in tribute to the first openly gay member of the Washington State Legislature, representing Seattle’s 43rd District.
2006
Seattle Pride Parade returns downtown to its original location after being held in Capitol Hill.
2006
Gov. Christine Gregoire signs Washington state’s inaugural gay civil rights bill into law.
2006
The Washington State Legislature passes its first domestic partnership law, addressing death and medical matters such as hospital visitation, funeral arrangements, inheritance and insurance benefits for domestic partners.
2007
Domestic partnership for samesex couples becomes legal in Washington state.
2010
The Space Needle flies the rainbow Pride flag for the first time.
2012
Washington State Legislature legalizes same-sex marriage, prompting opponents to push for a public vote through a ballot referendum—the public votes in favor of marriage equality by 53.7 percent.
2013
Seattle elects Ed Murray as its first openly gay mayor.
2016
Seattle Children’s Gender Clinic opens as the region’s only multidisciplinary clinic serving transgender and gender-diverse youth.
2016
The Washington State Black Trans Task Force—now called the Lavender Rights Project—emerged to tackle the crisis of violence against Black trans women and femmes.
2017
Jenny Durkan makes history as Seattle’s first openly lesbian mayor and the second woman to hold the position.
2020
Seattle organizers establish Taking B(l)ack Pride to empower BIPOC transgender, queer and gender-diverse communities in reclaiming joy, culture and collective expression.
2020
Seattle Pride, PrideFest and Gender Justice League (TransPride) team up for Seattle’s inaugural virtual Pride event in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with another virtual celebration held in 2021.
2023
Seattle Pride Parade resumes after a two-year pause due to the pandemic, drawing an estimated 300,000 attendees, making it Washington state’s most prominent and one of the nation’s biggest Pride parades.
2024
Gov. Jay Inslee signs a bill requiring statewide public schools to teach about the contributions and history of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
2024
Seattle marks the fiftieth anniversary of its Pride celebrations, offering the community a chance to celebrate the present, envision the future and honor the past.
This is not an exhaustive list of milestones in Seattle’s rich LGBTQIA+ history. For a more expanded timeline, including national milestones, please visit www.bit.ly/lgbtqmilestones
Where to Celebrate Pride in WA
PRIDE IN BELLINGHAM
Join Pride IN Bellingham on July 6 and 7 for a weekend of love and celebration! Enjoy an all-ages picnic, a vibrant dance party with live DJs and drag artists, and a colorful parade through downtown Bellingham. Don’t forget to grab some “B proud” merch at the festival, including stylish non-gendered options like fanny packs and hats.
Learn more: www.prideinbellingham.org
SOUTH WHIDBEY PRIDE
South Whidbey Pride rose from the shadows in 2023, reviving the Langley Pride Parade. Join Langley’s lively LGBTQIA+ community again on June 22 at noon and march through downtown Langley to celebrate the local LGBTQIA+ community. Afterward, gather at South Whidbey Community Center for food, music, speakers and fun giveaways.
Learn more: www.southwhidbeypride.org
ALKI BEACH PRIDE
Celebrating its tenth year, West Seattle’s premier Pride event—founded by two inspiring Black women, Stacy and Jolie Bass-Walden (who actually got married on Alki Beach)—takes place on August 31. This family-friendly celebration at Seattle’s iconic Alki Beach features live music, waterfront dining, inspiring performances and stunning Puget Sound views. Discover handcrafted goods from LGBTQ+ vendors, groove to DJs and musicians and enjoy free activities for all ages.
Learn more: www.alkibeachpride.org
KITSAP PRIDE
Get ready for an unforgettable day at Kitsap Pride, back at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds in Bremerton on July 20. Enjoy a stellar lineup on the Pride Stage featuring local talents, plus 100 vendors, info booths, food and a bar area. Don’t forget your blanket or camp chairs for lounging on the Pride Lawn. With a Teen Space, Kid Zone and nonstop entertainment, it’s a celebration suited for everyone.
Learn more: www.kitsappride.org
EASTSIDE PRIDE PNW
Calling all LGBTQIA+ people and furry friends! Join Eastside Pride PNW for the Paws & Pride Dog Jog & Walk on June 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Downtown Bellevue. Take a scenic stroll at Bellevue Downtown Park and enjoy post-walk festivities with a mimosa and beer garden, DJ Puma, RuPaw’s Dawg Costume Contest and drag queen Gaysha Starr.
Learn more: www.eastsidepridepnw.com
WALLA WALLA PRIDE FESTIVAL
On June 1, from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., celebrate love at the fourth annual Walla Walla Pride Festival, presented by Inclusivo Productions, Walla Walla Pride and Eternal Wines. From 5 to 8 p.m., enjoy free entry to an all-ages-inclusive event with vendors, DJs, food and drinks. Then, dance into the night from 8:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. at the 21+ party. Tickets are $10 online or $20 at the door. The event will support Triple Point Walla Walla, which helps empower LGBTQIA+ youth.
Learn more: www.facebook.com/walla.walla.wa.pride
SEATTLE PRIDE
Last but not least, for a full rundown of Seattle Pride festivities, check out www.seattlepride.org/pages/50th-anniversary.
