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.

At Queer Power Alliance, we believe that LGBTQIA+ communities deserve access to safe, affordable housing and healthcare, stable and equitable incomes, and the ability to live free from discrimination, violence, and threats. We are committed to creating a world where individuals can thrive with dignity, security, and the resources they need to lead fulfilling lives.

Our 2025 Washington State legislative priorities aim to uphold and expand the rights and protections necessary for the well-being and dignity of LGBTQIA+ communities. We are advocating for:

UPDATED 5/15/2025

Trans and LGBTQIA+ Protections - 

  • SB 5180: Safe and Respectful Schools - Did not advance
    Secures the rights of students to a safe, civil, and respectful learning community.

  • SB 5181: Clarifying Parents’ Rights - Did not advance
    Amends the parents' rights initiative to align it with existing education and privacy laws, protecting LGBTQIA+ youth and families.

  • HB 1296: The Safety Act - Passed with additional language from other bills in strengthening protections. Signing into law 5/20
    Amendes, I-2081 (the “Parents’ Bill of Rights”)

  • HB 1604/SB 5490: Protections in Local Jails - Did not advance
    Sets clear federal-aligned procedures for searches of transgender and intersex people in local jails.

  • HB 1052/SB 5038: Clarifying Hate Crimes - Passed
    Clarifies and strengthens hate crime definitions and enforcement, ensuring greater protection for marginalized communities.

Health Justice

  • HB 1129/SB 5121: Fertility Coverage Equity - Did not advance
    Requires health plans to cover fertility-related services. 

  • HB 1971: Access to Hormone Therapy - PASSED & SIGNED INTO LAW
    Increases access to prescription hormone therapy, expanding affirming care options.

  • HB 1482: Equity in Health Coverage -Did not advance
    Promotes equity in access to health care, especially for underrepresented communities.

  • HB 1090/SB 5498: Contraceptive Access Protections - Did not advance
    Strengthens requirements for contraceptive coverage.

Housing Justice

  • HB 1217/SB 5222: Rent Stabilization – PASSED & SIGNED INTO LAW
    Ensures fair and stable housing costs, a major step toward combating displacement and homelessness, particularly within vulnerable LGBTQIA+ communities.

  • HB 1195/SB 5497: Easing Housing Development Barriers - Did not advance
    Streamlines siting and permitting for supportive, transitional, and emergency housing.

Economic Justice

  • SB 5101: Leave for Hate Crime Survivors - PASSED
    Expands leave and safety accommodations for workers impacted by hate crimes or bias incidents.

  • HB 1213: Paid Leave Job Security - PASSED
    Strengthens protections for workers using Paid Family & Medical Leave to care for themselves or loved ones.

Our 2025 Legislative Priorities & Updates

  • 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.

  • You still have the right to:
    Access gender-affirming care
    Update your name & gender marker
    Be protected from discrimination

    Our friends at @Legal_Voice provide a powerful guide that breaks it all down—what’s still protected, what’s changing, and how to advocate for yourself and your community.

     Knowing your rights is an act of self-love.

    Please read + share this resource with others who could benefit from this important information.