Advocacy for policy and systems change.

LGBTQIA+ people face homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism, and social isolation. Many in our community are doubly or triply impacted by racism, displacement, lack of stable housing or employment, healthcare discrimination and other issues that lead to long-lasting healthcare, housing, and well-being inequities.

We work with community partners, leaders, and elected officials to effectively build power and pass policies that advance economic opportunities for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC
community members.

The Collaborative, consisting of the Queer Power Alliance and community partners Entre Hermanos and POCAAN, is establishing a sustainable network of LGBTQ+-led organizations and LGBTQIA+ and People of Color community members. We utilize an equity-centered, collective impact framework to drive systems and policy changes. The primary focus is on addressing housing, jobs, health, transportation, and voting access for LGBTQIA+ and People of Color in South King County. The approach revolves around a collective impact framework that prioritizes equity.

LGBTQIA+ SKC Survey is Open!

Purpose of this Study:

We are conducting a comprehensive study to learn more about the lives and experiences of LGBTQIA+ people in South King County. Specifically, we aim to gather information about housing, jobs, health, transportation, and voting experiences. Our goal is to understand the challenges faced by the community, identify their needs, and highlight what is working well. This information will help local organizations, leaders, policymakers, and supporters improve services and create better policies for the LGBTQIA+ community in South King County.

What’s Involved?

Participation includes filling out a survey about daily life, covering topics such as home, job, healthcare, transportation, and participation in voting. The survey includes multiple-choice, rating scales, and open-ended questions to capture various experiences and perspectives. As a token of our appreciation, participants will receive $25 upon completing the survey. Contact information will only be collected if participants choose to receive the compensation. To take the survey, please go to tinyurl.com/skclgbtq and enter the password PowerSKC

Why This Study Matters:

The unique perspectives gathered from this study will provide essential insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. By partnering with us, your organization will play a crucial role in helping to create strategies and programs that truly reflect and meet the needs of our community.

LGBTQIA+ South King County Collaborative

  • Queer Power Alliance joined the fight for Seattle’s minimum wage, sick time, Hotel Workers Health and Safety Initiative, and secure scheduling ordinances. We collected postcards to be delivered to elected officials; provided educational events to our community; testified in front of Seattle’s city council; worked in coalition to pass legislation, and mobilized direct actions with partner organizations. It was important to us that the written policies included language that reflected our lives and met our economic needs. As LGBTQ people we’re uniquely impacted by labor laws, and we educated our mainstream community partners on why worker rights are queer rights.

  • We’re working with Stay Housed Stay Healthy to push for renter rights, like late fee caps, relocation assistance, and protections for people with disabilities

  • The Collaborative, made up of Queer Power Alliance and community partners Entre Hermanos and POCAAN, is building a sustainable network of LGBTQ+-led organizations and LGBTQIA+ community members that use an equity-centered, collective impact framework to advance systems and policy changes. Our focus is towards housing, health, economic, gender, and racial equity for LGBTQIA+ communities in South King County, with a particular focus on those living in White Center, Renton, Kent, Federal Way, Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, SeaTac, and Tukwila. We will use a collective impact framework that centers equity, and together we will support to:

    1. Identify collective priorities and establish a common agenda.

    2. Coordinate shared measurement of data.

    3. Establish mutually reinforcing activities to maximize results.

    4. Leverage community power to advance systems and policy changes toward housing, health, economic, and racial equity with and for LGBTQIA+ communities in South King County (SKC).

  • Top Priorities:

    1. Rent Stabilization: Securing stable and affordable housing is crucial. We're advocating for measures that ensure fair and sustainable housing solutions for all.

      HB 1389/SB5435 Reasonable and predictable rent increases: Rent increases by 3% or inflation, which is higher but not to exceed 7%.

      HB1388/Consumer Protection Act to Residential Landlord-Tenant Act: Providing tenants with tools to challenge excessive rent increases that would displace and deny them their rights.

      HB1124/Six Month Notice for Rent Increase: This would require a 6-month notice for a rent increase of 5% or more, a late cap fee of $75, and tenants being allowed to move without penalty if the rent increase is out of their range.

    2. SB 5793/Paid Sick Leave Expansion: We're advocating for an expansion of paid sick leave eligibility to better reflect our community's diversity and experiences, including redefining "family members" to encompass a broader scope.

    3. Keep Our Care Act (HB 1263/SB 5241): Ensuring access to essential healthcare services for all individuals in our community.

    4. SB 5614/Sex Worker Advocacy: We stand in support of the 'Strippers are Workers Bill,' recognizing the rights and dignity of sex workers within our community.

    Supporting Priorities:

    1. Unemployment Insurance for Every Worker (HB 1095/SB 5109): Ensuring inclusive access to unemployment insurance benefits for all workers, irrespective of their work type or status.

    2. Inclusion in Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (HB 1905): Advocating for the inclusion of protected classes in the Washington Equal Pay and Opportunities Act, striving for equitable opportunities for all.

    3. Wealth Tax (HB 1473/SB 5486): Supporting measures for a fairer tax system that addresses wealth inequality.

    4. Working Family Tax Credit (HB 1075/SB 5249): Advocating for tax credits that support working families, acknowledging the financial challenges many in our community face.