Statement of Disapproval: Anti-Trans Attacks at Cal Anderson Park and the City’s Complicity
Queer Power Alliance condemns the recent wave of anti-trans violence at Cal Anderson Park and the shameful, complicit response from the City of Seattle and the Seattle Police Department (SPD). Cal Anderson is not just any park—it is a landmark of queer history and resistance, a place where our community gathers to feel safe, seen, and free.
While we affirm that people have the right to their opinions, the City’s decision to allow known anti-trans actors to occupy Cal Anderson is not neutral—it is violent. Placing them in this iconic queer space, especially with the knowledge of its significance to LGBTQIA+ communities, is an intentional act of harm. It sends a message that our safety is not a priority—that our community’s pain is acceptable collateral.
To make matters worse, SPD escalated the situation with excessive force, targeting those who came to protect their community. Instead of intervening to prevent harm, SPD caused further trauma—reaffirming that policing does not equal protection.
As Pride celebrations approach, we are deeply concerned that this will not be the last time our community is targeted. And based on how Mayor Harrell and SPD have handled this crisis, the message to 2SLGBTQIA+ people is loud and clear: we have been lied to. We are being used—celebrated when convenient and abandoned when it matters most.
We demand that the City of Seattle:
Publicly condemn the anti-trans violence and rhetoric that took place.
Acknowledge the harm caused by enabling hate groups to target queer spaces.
Launch an independent investigation into SPD’s conduct and response.
Commit to meaningful investments in community-led safety and healing.
Engage trans and queer-led organizations to protect our people and our spaces before, during, and after Pride.
Pride is more than a celebration. It’s a protest—a legacy of resisting exactly this kind of state-sanctioned violence. We will continue to show up for each other, to fight for our right to exist, and to hold those in power accountable.
Cal Anderson Park belongs to the people. Not to hate. Not to police. Not to political opportunists.
In resistance and solidarity,
Queer Power Alliance
