Federal Way raises Pride flag at City Hall

Federal Way raised the Pride flag for the fifth year on Friday, May 31.

“To understand why we’re here today, look back in American history to the Stonewall riots of 1969, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history,” Mayor Jim Ferrell said at the flag raising.

LGBTQ+ refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer. The “plus” typically includes intersex, asexual and two-spirit people. A recent Gallup poll found that 7.6% of Americans hold one or more of these identities. In Federal Way, the population is about 100,000, meaning about 7,600 proportionally would be included in that community.

Ferrell continued, adding that “On June 28, 1969, riots broke out at New York City’s Stonewall Inn. This event marked a monumental turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights because it sparked activism and awareness nationwide. While our nation has made strides since then, progress is still ongoing.”

The Pride flag was raised in Federal Way after advocacy from community members, including Allison Fine, whom the mayor called a “dear friend” in his statement at the flag raising. While Fine was not able to attend the flag raising due to illness, she said that “I appreciate that the city has maintained its committment to supporting the LGBTQIA2S community and that they are setting aside space to honor Pride Month. I’m sad I couldn’t be there, but I’m always grateful that marginalized communities have a voice here in Federal Way.”

In Seattle, the first Pride parade was celebrated 50 years ago in 1974. State Sen. Claire Wilson spoke at the flag raising and shared that she graduated high school the same year as that first parade.

“Right now, even within our community, it seems that many individuals still don’t understand the worry that we have every single day about safety and about protections that everyone deserves and everyone should have and everyone in our community should seek for others,” said Wilson, who represents Federal Way and the 30th Legislative District.

The American Civil Liberties Union has identified 515 anti-LGBTQIA2S+ bills in the U.S. in 2024 alone across the country.

Saudia Abdullah of the Federal Way Diversity Commission also spoke to the importance of safety, especially when it comes to youth.

“Studies revealed that respecting pronouns affirming identities can decrease self harm among transgender and non-binary youth,” Abdullah said. “Let’s raise this flag to declare Federal Way a safe, affirming space. Let’s hoist it high and signify that love is our common bond.”

Although Abdullah did not specify which studies she was referring to, the issue of access to gender affirming healthcare for youth and adults is at risk. For some background, more than 20 of the leading U.S. medical groups support the importance of access to affirming and supportive environments for transgender youth.

Abdullah added that “this flag symbolizes our caring commitment, serving as a beacon of solidarity and visibility, a marker of hope in our community. It’s crucial that we recognize that we are not a monolith. And yet we are diverse, and that the struggle for equality continues. Embracing this strong truth strengthens our resolve to advocate for inclusivity and justice for all.”

Federal Way community member Mary Locke called the Mirror after the event and shared her concern about the city showing support for LGBTQ+ individuals, saying it isn’t appropriate for children, adding that “If it didn’t reach kids, it would be less of a concern.”

She also expressed her concern over the city’s connection to GLSEN. The city of Federal Way lists GLSEN as a link on the Pride page, which includes resources related to Pride month. “I just don’t think they need to exist,” Locke said of GLSEN.

On GLSEN’s website, they state that the organization “believes that every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education. We are a national network of educators, students, and local GLSEN Chapters working to make this right a reality.”

Locke specifically stated that in her faith community homosexual attraction itself is not a sin, but acting on it is considered one. She supports practices like praying to change in order to avoid hell and supports conversion therapy, which has been banned in Washington state since 2018. Conversion therapy to attempt to change someone’s gender identity or sexual orientation.

The National Institute of Health states: “Conversion therapy is performed despite evidence that it is ineffective and likely to cause individuals significant or severe physical and mental pain and suffering with long-term harmful effects,” and the American Psychiatric Association has opposed conversion therapy since 1998.

Abdullah ended her statement at the Pride flag raising with a call to action, saying “Let’s create open inclusive spaces where voices of queer individuals are not just heard, but they are valued. Let’s make sure our community and performing arts center are enriched by affirming programs, events and ceremonies that celebrate our LGBTQ neighbors.”

For Federal Way specifically, she said “Federal Way can and should be a beacon of inclusion for our region, enabling others to follow. Let this serve as a call for action not just accepting but aligning and including [the LGBTQ+ community]. Lastly to my youth, you are exactly who you are, and who you should be and I love that.”