Hateful rhetoric towards our LGBTQIA2S+ community is not new. We’ve heard bigoted statements before and will likely hear them again. No matter how many times we read social media comments attacking our livelihood, see protest signs questioning our humanity, or hear campaign ads promoting that we are a danger to others - the hurt and the temptation to stay quiet remains.

And yet, our queer community in North Central Washington is more vibrant and beautiful than ever. We have grown and organized to the point where our voices no longer remain overpowered and our identities no longer remain unseen. We are heard. We are visible. We are strong.

Coming together as a community to provide safe spaces for queer and straight people alike makes some people nervous, even fearful. Again, this is nothing new. Instead of returning the fear, the hate, the bigotry, we can only show them how strong our community truly is. How we show up for one another, even when the temptation to stay quiet remains.

Wenatchee Pride stands with the YWCA in their mission for inclusion and queer visibility, and will show up for the Drag Queen Story Hour. We hope you will too.

In Solidarity,
Wenatchee Pride Board of Directors