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Legislative leaders call for vigilance and visibility at Pride flag-raising
Summary
Senate Majority Leader Jamie Peterson and Speaker Lori Jenkins framed Pride as both celebration and political resistance, urging community solidarity and preparedness for ongoing threats to LGBTQ rights.
Senate Majority Leader Jamie Peterson and Speaker Lori Jenkins addressed the crowd about the state's history of LGBTQ progress and the need to remain vigilant against new threats. Peterson recalled past struggles for marriage equality and urged continued participation in civic fights.
"We are under attack," Peterson said, framing recent national developments as reasons for continued vigilance and engagement. Speaker Lori Jenkins told the audience that "visibility is not a neutral act," arguing that public recognition and visibility have been crucial to civil-rights gains.
Both leaders linked the flag-raising to political and civic responsibility: they asked attendees not only to celebrate but to stay engaged with legislative and legal efforts to protect rights. Jenkins and Peterson also praised state commissions and community groups that feed policy work with on-the-ground reports from across Washington.
Their remarks preceded the flag-raising and a reception at the Helen Summers Building.
