Policy and Legislation

Washington State LGBTQ Commission Public Meeting Day 2

January 18 @ 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

On Friday January 17th and Saturday 18th the Washington State LGBTQ Commission will convene for their first public meeting of 2025. With the Legislative Session starting just 4 days prior, the State of the State address happening on Tuesday, and the Govenor’s Inaugural Ball on Wednesday, Olympia is going to be an exciting place to be that week! We hope you are able to find some time join us to hear more about Commission work, and we highly encourage 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals around the state to tune in and share public comment with us, in-person or virtually, during meeting day 2, Saturday, starting at 11:30am. For more information on what public comment is and how to submit or share your comment, read below.

Please note agenda & meeting materials will be available on this page no less than 24 hours prior to the start of Friday’s meeting day.

Date & Time:

Friday, January 17th from 12:00pm-4:30pm

Saturday, January 18th from 9:00am-12:30pm (Please note, public comment will start at 11:30am on Saturday)

Location:

Helen Sommers Building, Capitol Campus 
See Parking Map
106 11th Ave. SW
Olympia, WA 98501 

If you are interested in attending this meeting virtually, please email contact@lgbtq.wa.gov and staff can assist.

Washington State LGBTQ Commission Public Meeting Announcement - Friday, Jan. 17 from 12-4:30pm and Sat. Jan. 18 from 9am-12:30pm

Helen Sommers Building, Capitol Campus

106 11th Ave SW
Olympia, Washington 98501 United States + Google Map
Event Website

Washington State LGBTQ Commission Public Meeting Day 1

January 17 @ 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm

On Friday January 17th and Saturday 18th the Washington State LGBTQ Commission will convene for their first public meeting of 2025. With the Legislative Session starting just 4 days prior, the State of the State address happening on Tuesday, and the Govenor’s Inaugural Ball on Wednesday, Olympia is going to be an exciting place to be that week! We hope you are able to find some time join us to hear more about Commission work, and we highly encourage 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals around the state to tune in and share public comment with us, in-person or virtually, during meeting day 2, Saturday, starting at 11:30am. For more information on what public comment is and how to submit or share your comment, read below.

Please note agenda & meeting materials will be available on this page no less than 24 hours prior to the start of Friday’s meeting day.

Date & Time:

Friday, January 17th from 12:00pm-4:30pm

Saturday, January 18th from 9:00am-12:30pm (Please note, public comment will start at 11:30am on Saturday)

Location:

Helen Sommers Building, Capitol Campus 
See Parking Map
106 11th Ave. SW
Olympia, WA 98501 

If you are interested in attending this meeting virtually, please email contact@lgbtq.wa.gov and staff can assist.

Washington State LGBTQ Commission Public Meeting Announcement - Friday, Jan. 17 from 12-4:30pm and Sat. Jan. 18 from 9am-12:30pm

Helen Sommers Building, Capitol Campus

106 11th Ave SW
Olympia, Washington 98501 United States + Google Map
Event Website

Healthcare Available for DACA Recipients

Health care is a fundamental human right, and for the first time, DACA recipients can enroll in Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage! These affordable plans cover essential benefits like preventive care, mental health services, and hospital care. Enrolling will not affect your current or future immigration status. Enrollment is open until January 15. Visit healthcare.gov to explore your options and sign up today. If you need help, trained health enrollment assisters and a call center are available to guide you in choosing the perfect plan. Take advantage of this historic opportunity!

Visit healthcare.gov to enroll and learn more.

DACA recipients are eligible to apply for a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace

A Bicultural Community-Academic Partnership to Improve the Latina/o Physician Workforce in Washington State

Latinas/os in Washington state face limited access to bilingual health care, particularly in rural areas, and have historically lacked political representation to advocate for their needs. In response, the Latino Center for Health at the University of Washington, led by Leo S. Morales MD, PhD, MPH, has launched the Latino Physician Workforce Study, a community-engaged initiative aimed at increasing the number of bilingual and bicultural healthcare providers to better serve this underserved population.

Read the full article on the American Journal of Public Health website:
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307627

Team member Leo Morales

U.S. House of Representatives Resolution Recognizing the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in Medical Education

Wanted you to be aware that a U.S. House of Representatives Resolution Recognizing the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in Medical Education was introduced on April 30, 2024 by Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-3) and Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14), co-chairs of the Congressional Black Caucus’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force.  

The Association of American Medical Colleges, National Medical Association, and National Hispanic Medical Association along with list of organizations have endorsed this important resolution. 

Dr David J. Skorton provides excellent quote within the press release linked below. Teamwork makes the dreamwork! 

Best regards, Leon (He/Him) 

Reps. Beatty and Castor Fight for Fairness in Medicine with DEI Resolution | Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (house.gov)

Text – H.Res.1180 – 118th Congress (2023-2024): Recognizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in medical education. | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

a side by side photo of us representatives Joyce Beatty (OH-3) and Kathy Castor (FL-14), co-chairs of the Congressional Black Caucus’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force

Photo of representatives Joyce Beatty (OH-3) and Kathy Castor (FL-14), co-chairs of the Congressional Black Caucus’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force

4th Circuit: Gender Identity Is A Protected Characteristic, Blocks State Coverage Bans

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that bans on transgender care by Medicaid and state plans are unconstitutional, recognizing transgender people as a protected class and declaring such exclusions as discriminatory based on gender identity and sex. This decision upholds lower court rulings against North Carolina and West Virginia, which had denied gender-affirming care to transgender state employees and Medicaid recipients, dismissing state arguments that the exclusions applied equally to all individuals.

Outside photo of the 4th Circuit US Court of Appeals in Richmond, VA

Read the full article here:
https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/4th-circuit-gender-identity-is-a

Jason Deen appointed to serve as Committee Chairperson of CONACH

The Board of Directors of the Committee on Native American Child Health (CONACH) have appointed Jason Deen as 2024 Committee Chairperson!

Photo of Jason Deen

The Committee on Native American Child Health (CONACH) advocates for the health and social needs of American Indian/Alaska Native children by collaborating with tribal, urban, and IHS programs, and staying updated on relevant legislation. They meet biannually to strategize and promote interdisciplinary collaboration through events like the International Meeting on Indigenous Child Health, enhancing the care and support provided to these communities.

Learn more here:
https://www.aap.org/en/community/aap-committees/committee-on-native-american-child-health/

Massive Defeat For Anti-Trans And Anti-LGBTQ+ Riders In Spending Bill As Dems Hold Firm

The recent spending bill introduced by Congress, which is designed to prevent a government shutdown, managed to omit most of the conservative policy riders aimed at limiting LGBTQ+ protections, including those against gender-affirming care and transgender athletes. Amidst significant negotiations and Republican efforts to enforce these provisions, the final bill includes just one anti-LGBTQ+ policy—a restriction on displaying pride flags on foreign embassy buildings, marking a significant victory for Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates.

Read the article here:
https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/massive-defeat-for-anti-trans-and

Photo of the United States Capitol Building

2022 U.S. Transgender Survey

The 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey, an update to the 2015 survey, gathers data from over 92,000 binary and nonbinary transgender individuals, making it the largest survey focused on the transgender community in the U.S. This comprehensive survey offers new insights into the social, economic, and health challenges faced by transgender individuals, providing valuable data for advocacy, policy making, and community support.

Read the survey here:
https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/2024-02/2022%20USTS%20Early%20Insights%20Report_FINAL.pdf

Photo of the cover of the 2022 U.S. Trans Survey - Early Insights

LCH participates in Latino Legislative Day: Dr.Morales presents on Long COVID

The Latino Civic Alliance hosted its Latino Legislative Day in Olympia, Washington on January 22, 2024. Hundreds of participants attended the advocacy event, which featured speakers including, Representative Julio Cortes and Governor Jay Inslee, Chief Justice Steve Gonzalez, Representative Lillian Ortiz- Self, Representative Bill Ramos, Representative Alex Ybarra, Representative Emily Alvarado, Representative Sharlett Mena, and Senator Rebecca Saldana.

Read more about 2024’s Latino Legislative Day: https://latinocenterforhealth.org/lch-participates-in-latino-legislative-day-dr-morales-presents-on-long-covid/