In Bellingham and Whatcom County, many locals are part of the LGBTQ+ community. The acronym stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer, and broadly includes other identities such as Intersex, Asexual, Aromantic, Nonbinary, Pansexual, and Two Spirit. LGBTQ+ issues are human rights issues, and many organizations direct special attention to the issues facing kids, teens, and young adults.
Behind slogans and symbols of support such as “Whatcom Hearts Queer Youth” and the Bellingham Pride Flag are grassroots organizations working to make our community more inclusive and accepting. As a previous article on local LGBTQ+ history discusses, current nonprofits and groups have emerged from decades of community organizing.
For Pride Month in June, Bellingham’s Pride in July, and all times of the year as we work for and celebrate diversity, we can spotlight and give back to organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth. Creating an equal, equitable society starts with the ground-level support for education, housing, health, and social acceptance.
Pride and Awareness in Whatcom County
Since 2019, Whatcom Youth Pride has hosted “one of the nation’s only all-youth Pride Parade and Festivals” on the first Saturday in or just before June. They have featured vendors and sponsors at Bellingham High School and the parade loops around Cornwall Avenue. People of all ages are welcome to attend as youth march and proceeds go toward inclusive organizations.
Bellingham’s biggest pride parade has taken place in July since 1999 to complement Seattle Pride in June. Several organizations have taken the reins over the years. Pride IN Bellingham has hosted the most recent events between Bellingham High School and Depot Market Square, including the family fun day, dance, parade, festival, and Rumors Cabaret afterparty over one weekend.
PFLAG Bellingham Whatcom County is a local branch of “the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.” The national group started as Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays with the goal of keeping families together. The local branch started Bellingham Pride and now hosts community meetings, grants and education for inclusivity in local organizations, and advocacy against discrimination.
Bellingham Queer Collective hosts and promotes local events, providing social groups and spotlighting inclusive and LGBTQ-owned businesses. On social media, Meetup groups such as North Sound Lesbians and Facebook groups such as Queer and Forever Here offer community members a network to meet others.
Whatcom County’s Inclusive Education
Local organizations also offer education on LGBTQ+ topics, advocacy, and community to students and the public.
Western Washington University offers several groups, activities, and resources for LGBTQ+ students under LGBTQ+ Western and its Queer Resource Center. The organization has hosted student clubs and regular events such as Lavender Graduation, Trans Week, and the Annual Drag Show.
The Whatcom Human Rights Taskforce and the Whatcom Civil Rights Project are nonprofits advocating for the rights of marginalized groups, the LGBTQ+ community included. They offer public information campaigns and legal assistance for victims of discrimination and civil rights violations.
The adult store WinkWink Boutique has hosted events such as Uncringe Academy: Sex Education Without (Most Of) The Awkward. This program for parents and youths aged 9 and up offers inclusive, consent-informed sex education with the goal “that young people can better advocate for their own bodies, health, and well-being.” Additionally, they sell pride flags and gender-affirming trans supplies.
Health and Housing Organizations Around Whatcom County
Whatcom County has seen several organizations emerge to address LGBTQ+ housing inequality, plus inclusive and gender-affirming healthcare.
Sean Humphrey House and the Bellingham branch of Lifelong Client Services are organizations supporting affordable housing and assisted living for community members living with HIV. Both offer meals, healthcare access, and other essential services.
Northwest Youth Services extends its mission to end youth houselessness into their Queer Youth Services. Their community services include Queer-Affirming Care training, while their youth services include referrals to local resources and the Trans Fashion Treasury with free gender-affirming items.
The Planned Parenthood Bellingham Health Center offers gender-affirming healthcare to transgender, nonbinary, and intersex patients. This includes referrals for social, legal, and mental health support.
Community Facebook groups such as Bellingham Queer Housing also assist in the search. Members can ask questions and make offers.
Just as adult LGBTQ+ community members and allies can support the youth in their lives, youth with community acceptance can become the organizers of tomorrow in Whatcom County.
