Trans & Queer Generations

We're making great progress in our quest to purchase our building so we can create a fabulous LGBTQ+ community center for Olympia!

We've already raised more than $100,000 (!!) towards our goal of $415,000, and are on track to sign a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the owner of the building by the end of 2017 (we currently have a Lease to Own agreement.)  You can read more about our Capital Campaign at our Trans and Queer Generations website.As part of this work, we're highlighting events and people in our Northwest queer and trans history.In particular, we want to acknowledge the people who labored -- and those who are still laboring -- to make our communities safer and more welcoming for all LGBTQ+ people.Check out our TQ Generations blog to read about Sherry D. Harris, who was elected to the Seattle City Council in 1991, becoming the first out black lesbian elected to public office in the United States.  Or see our post about Lesbian Love, Anarchy, Parenting, Imprisonment & Reproductive Rights in 1904.There's also a post about LGBTQ+ folks launching a series of creative protests in 1979 against an Olympia disco for their treatment of same-sex couples:  "Pickets Protest Disco Treatment"  Perhaps you'd like to learn about the infamous Capital Lake Bathroom bust in this post: "In 1980, Cops Bust Local "Homosexual Ring" (AKA, allegedly gay men being consensually "lewd" with each other in public)"One of our favorite posts is about our hero Lucy Hicks Anderson,  an African American woman who built a life and impressive entrepreneurial career in Oxnard, CA based on her many skills, including being a prize-winning and sought-after cook, socialite, event hostess, community member, and madame of a successful bordello and Prohibition-era bar.  The criminal justice system and Lucy's community turned on her when, after examining her, a doctor went public claiming that she was a "man." Lucy fought for her right to be married to the man she had married. She fought for her right to be who she was. At Stonewall Youth, we're keenly aware that we owe a tremendous amount to those who have fought, loved, died, and lived (and continue to live) long and fabulous lives fighting for the rights of LGBTQ+ people.  We are dedicated to continuing this ongoing work. Thanks for being here with us!