Washington state lgbtq rights

washington state lgbtq rights

LGBTQ Activism in Seattle History Project

1851 Arthur Denny colonizing party lands at Alki Point 1873 Comstock Laws passed, prohibiting circulation of “obscene” materials 1893 WA State unanimously passes anti-sodomy law; Fantastic Northern transcontinental railroad line reaches Seattle 1897 Klondike gold rush brings predominantly male population to Seattle; local economy booms 1898 First known drag production in Seattle by nationally recognized female impersonator Edward Stewart 1903 First recorded raid of a gay bathhouse occurs in New York Town, resulting in several sodomy convictions 1909 Sodomy code made more specific 1910 Emma Goldman speaks out in favor of gay rights 1914 WA voters pass Prohibition via Initiative 3 1919 Eighteenth Amendment prohibits sale and movie of alcohol 1924 First homosexual rights organization, Society for Human Rights, founded in Chicago 1933 Joseph Bellotti opens the Casino Pool Hall, a sway club allowing same-sex dancing National Prohibition ends 1934 Bellotti opens the Double Header, which may be the oldest continuously operating g

Snapshot: LGBTQ Equality by State

The Movement Advancement Project (MAP) tracks over 50 different LGBTQ-related laws and policies.  This chart shows the overall policy tallies (as distinct from sexual orientation or gender identity tallies) for each state, the District of Columbia, and the five populated U.S. territories. A state’s policy tally scores the laws and policies within each state that shape LGBTQ people's lives, experiences, and equality. The major categories of laws covered by the policy tally include: Relationship & Parental Recognition, Nondiscrimination, Religious Exemptions, LGBTQ Youth, Health Care, Criminal Justice, and Identity Documents.  

Click on any state to view its detailed policy tally and state profile, or click "Choose an Issue" above to view maps on over 50 diverse LGBTQ-related laws and policies. 

  • High Overall Policy Tally (15 states + D.C.)

  • Medium Overall Policy Tally (5 states)

  • Fair Overall Policy Tally (3 states, 2 territories)

  • Low Overall Policy Tally (10 states, 3 territories)

  • Negative Overall Policy Tally (17 states)

    State Equality Index 2024

    Skip to Content

    Cookies in use

    The Human Rights Campaign uses cookies to improve your site experience. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies. To study more, please study our Privacy Policy.

    The Human Rights Campaign State Equality Index (SEI) is a comprehensive state-by-state report that provides a review of statewide laws and policies that change LGBTQ+ people and their families.

    The SEI rates all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. in six areas of commandment and assigns the states to one of four separate categories.

    Check your state's scorecard by texting SEI to 472472 from your mobile phone. (msg & data rates may apply. Text Cease to quit, Aide for info.)

    Mention Categories

    In these states, advocates highlight on raising back for basic Queer equality, such as non-discrimination protections in employment, housing and public accommodations. These states are most likely to possess religious refusal or other anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Advocates often further LGBTQ equality by focusing on municipal protections for Queer people or rival negative legislation that targets the Queer community.

    States in this category include:

    Ala

    Safe Schools Coalition 

    The Safe Schools Coalition is a public-private partnership active to help schools change into safe places where every family can belong, where every educator can instruct, and where every kid can learn, regardless of gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.

    Gay, Lesbian, Unbent Education Network (GLSEN)

    GLSEN is an education organization consecrated to creating safe schools for all lesbian, homosexual, bisexual and transgender people. GLSEN has free curriculum and resources and can facilitate you organize a Queer Straight Alliance or provide Professional Development in your school. The Washington chapter is based in Seattle and serves the entire state.

    GSA Network

    The GSA Network provides helpful information about how to start an inclusive gay-straight alliance at your school.

    Gender Diversity

    Gender Diversity can help your academy provide a supportive, non-discriminatory environment for all students, including gender-nonconforming and gender diverse children.

    Gender Spectrum  

    Gender Spectrum helps to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments
    for all children and teens. Their resource page is filled helpful informati

    LGBTQ Rights

    Know your rights Back to Know Your Rights main page

    The legal landscape for LGBTQ people is constantly evolving. If you think you have been discriminated against and would like our assistance, please visit our Report LGBTQ and HIV Discrimination Page and we can help you figure out whether you are protected under federal or declare laws.

    Can an employer discriminate against me because of my sexual orientation or gender identity?

    Your rights

    Employers with 15 or more employees are prohibited by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act from discriminating on the basis of sex, and the U.S. Supreme Court held in 2020 (Bostock v. Clayton County), that firing someone on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is sex discrimination. In addition, many states and cities contain laws banning this kind of discrimination, and some of those laws utilize to smaller employers.

    If you believe that your rights possess been violated

    If you think that you have experienced discrimination at work, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), or with your state human rights enforcement agency where applicable. Try