RAIN 2025 Pride Month Statement
June marks Pride Month—a time when 2SLGBTQ+ people and allies gather to celebrate identity, honor history, and strengthen community. It’s a time for parades and reflection, for joy and resistance. Pride began as protest, and at its core, it continues to be about resilience and visibility in the face of adversity. That context feels especially urgent this year.
Since January 2025, federal actions have raised concerns about the loss of rights for 2SLGBTQ+ people. They target areas such as healthcare access, workplace protections, and the ability for transgender and non-binary people to be out in public.
One especially troubling policy seeks to redefine “sex” in federal programs based solely on physical features assigned at birth, which threatens the legal recognition and protection of transgender, non-binary, and intersex people. In this climate, visibility matters more than ever.
While legal challenges are in motion and some federal actions may be blocked, the chilling effect on the 2SLGBTQ+ community—especially trans youth, families, and public servants—is already being felt. As public employees in Washington State, we have a responsibility to show that our commitment to inclusion is not performative—it’s protective. It’s policy. Its power shared.
Washington has a long history of increasing protections for people. Pride Month is an opportunity to deepen that commitment by showing support for employees and community members. This is done not only through statements, but through actions, policies, and cultural shifts.
This year, the RAIN Best Practices group is proud to provide the 2025 Pride Month Toolkit for state agencies. This resource is designed to help workplaces recognize, honor, and support 2SLGBTQ+ communities—while also offering tools to build inclusive environments year-round. Whether you’re facilitating a conversation or taking time to learn more about the barriers your colleagues face —every action matters. Every signal of support makes a difference. The 2SLGBTQ+ community is resilient. But we deserve more than resilience—we deserve to thrive. Let’s build a Washington where everyone can.
With pride and purpose,
The Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network (RAIN)
Download the 2025 RAIN Pride Month Toolkit
Looking for more Pride Month Resources?
See our Resources Page for Virtual backgrounds, RAIN brochures, RAIN digital signs for the office, and much more!