Mission & Vision
Mission: The Washington State LGBTQ Commission works to improve the state’s interface with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, and intersex community, identify the needs of its members, and ensuring that there is an effective means of advocating for LGBTQ equity in all aspects of state government.
Our mission was established via statute. See RCW 43.114 for our full establishing statute.
Vision: As public servants committed to advancing equity and fostering liberation for all 2SLGBTQIA+ people, we embrace humility, compassion, diversity, collaboration, respect, and joy in our work. We pledge to honor public involvement, community accessibility, and to listen and proactively center the needs of the most marginalized members of our community.
Our vision was written and created by Commissioners at their September 2023 public meeting.
Who We Are
The LGBTQ Commission is a state agency comprised of 3 full-time staff, along with an advisory board of 15 commissioners who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Commissioners are located throughout Washington state. Each commissioner is appointed by the Governor and serves a three-year term. Commissioners represent the wealth of experiences and diversity of the LGBTQ community in Washington. Four members of the State Legislature, one from each chamber and each political caucus also serve as legislative advisors. In 2024, we also launched a LGBTQ+ Youth Advisory Council comprised of 12 youth across Washington appointed by the Commission to advise on youth-specific issues.
A Brief History
After many years of grassroots advocacy, the Washington State LGBTQ Commission was established by the Washington Legislature through SB5356, with Senator Claire Wilson, the first openly lesbian Senator in Washington, as the primary sponsor. Former Governor Jay Inslee signed the bill into law on May 13, 2019.