GSBA – Washington State’s LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber, and The Washington Hospitality Association stand together in support of the queer community’s calls to reform our state’s laws regarding the enforcement of lewd conduct laws in performance venues and bars.
We are pleased to see our local community come together to build a path forward after the recent activities between the Liquor Control Board and local LGBTQ+ bars and are encouraged by the Liquor Control Board’s statement that indicates they are listening to the community to learn from this experience. In addition, we want to emphasize the need for local law enforcement and first responders to keep their focus on the public safety issues that are impacting the quality of life in our city.
Historically, LGBTQ+ community venues have been embedded in Seattle’s culture since before the city got its name. For over a hundred years our community grew from secret meetings to historic Pride events attended by thousands every year. Now, the queer community is a cornerstone of our local economy. This success could not have been won without the brave bar owners who opened their doors to the queer community and provided dedicated spaces for people to connect; creating relationships that blossomed into our region’s vibrant economy. For many, gay bars are the only space in which queer people can fully express themselves without fear of reprise. This is one of the many reasons why it is essential to ensure the safety of our LGBTQ+ venues.
Our state and local leaders have also been supportive in their outreach and support. We look forward to working with these stakeholders to ensure the LGBTQ+ community is positioned to thrive.
Signed,
Ilona Lohrey
President & CEO
GSBA – Washington State’s LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
Rachel Smith
President & CEO
Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
Anthony Anton
President & CEO
Washington Hospitality Association
