CWU hosts Washington State LGBTQ Commission meeting

The Washington State LGBTQ Commission was formed by statute in 2019 was a mission to work toward improving the state’s interface with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, and intersex community, and ensuring effective means of advocating for LGBTQ equity across all government agencies.

In this spirit, the commission holds its meetings at different locations throughout the year as a way for individuals to connect with the community no matter where they’re located.

“It’s really important for us to show up so people know they can talk to us and that we’re willing to come to them and hear about their concerns and what the queer community needs from us as a representative body,” Commissioner Ayanna Phillips explained. “We don’t align ourselves with any particular party; we’re here to serve the people of Washington.”

On October 23, the commission held its final annual meeting at the new Multicultural Center (MCC) on Central Washington University’s main campus. According to Commission Co-Chair Leiyomi Preciado, the Commission emphasizes the importance of working with colleges and universities to host these meetings.

“At the last public meeting of every year, we decide what locations we want to visit for the coming year,” she said. “We try to partner a lot with local universities and colleges as a way to make ourselves known and support those institutions.”

Preciado added that the Commission is committed to outreach in the name of soliciting feedback and public comment, as part of its mission to speak on behalf of members of the LGBTQ community across the state.

“People are out there that do really care and are trying their best to make sure our community’s voice is heard and has an impact on legislation here in Washington,” she said. “We’re always available to share resources or get people connected to supporting organizations for whatever needs they may have.”

MCC Director Mal Stewman sees this kind of gathering as central to the vision behind the MCC.

“I appreciate the Commission’s work and everyone who helped make this gathering possible,” he said. “At the MCC, we see ourselves as hosts, with a shared responsibility to help people feel welcomed, respected, and connected. It was meaningful to put that commitment into practice while strengthening relationships between CWU and the communities we serve.”

More information on the Washington State LGBTQ Commission is available online.