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Residents urge Kent City Council to adopt LGBTQI-protecting resolution during public comment
Summary
Multiple speakers during public comment urged the council to adopt a local resolution affirming protections for LGBTQI residents and workers, citing actions taken by other Washington cities and local service needs.
Three speakers during the March 4 public comment period urged the Kent City Council to pass a resolution affirming protections for LGBTQI residents and workers and to commit city resources to safeguard access to services.
Shanal Kumar, who said they live and work in Kent, asked the council to create "a safe haven" and described a proposed "LGBTQ Century City" as a signal that the city values safety and equality.
Amasay Cheke, who identified themself as vice chair of the Washington State LGBTQI Commission and a staff member with Utopia Washington, urged Kent to adopt a resolution similar to Tacomas substitute resolution No. 41,628. Cheke said local government resolutions can reinforce state protections and help ensure city resources are not used to target marginalized people.
"Local governments have a responsibility to uphold these rights, to ensure they are meaningfully enforced, and to foster communities where everyone, regardless of who they are and who they love, can live freely, safely with dignity," Cheke said.
Adrianna Su Luai, policy director for Utopia Washington, said the request reflected both personal experience and professional work supporting queer and trans people. She told the council the resolution would signal to youth and families that Kent is a place where gender-affirming and LGBTQI services and supports are welcome.
No council action on a resolution was recorded in the meeting minutes or the councils on-the-record motions; the speakers asked the council to take a future legislative step. The record does not show any council members formally introducing or scheduling a resolution during the March 4 meeting.
