CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
title
AN ORDINANCE changing the name of the Seattle Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Commission to the Seattle Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) Commission; amending Chapter 3.14 and Section 15.52.005 of the Seattle Municipal Code to reflect the name change.
body
WHEREAS, multiple people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, or otherwise face marginalization due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression, also use "queer" as an inclusive and umbrella term to describe their communities; and
WHEREAS, in 1973 The City of Seattle included sexual orientation as a protected category when it adopted the Fair Employment Ordinance prohibiting discrimination in employment, and in 1975 added sexual orientation as a protected category for illegal discrimination in housing; and
WHEREAS, beginning in the late 1980s, queer scholars, activists, community members, and workers began to reclaim the term "queer" to establish a sense of community and assert a distinct politicized identity to be civically engaged. Queer identities may be adopted by those who reject traditional gender identities and seek a broader, more inclusive term that encompasses their full humanity; and
WHEREAS, in 1985 The City of Seattle created the Mayor's Lesbian and Gay Task Force, since renamed the Seattle Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Commission; and
WHEREAS, "queer" is an umbrella term sometimes used by people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other identification terms that seek to empower people marginalized within society due to gender identity and sexual orientation; and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle values being an open and inclusive city for all of its residents, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ); and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle collaborates with multiple non-profit and commun...
Click here for full text