Pride in Tacoma

Every day, the University of Washington Tacoma’s Office of Equity and Inclusion works to support students, staff and faculty. We do this by offering open-access, culturally responsive programming and thoughtful practices that honor the multiple experiences and diverse viewpoints within our UW Tacoma community of learners.

The summer holds a meaningful time as we recognize the history and contributions of LGBTQIA2+ communities — lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, aromantic, Two Spirit, and many more. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing advocacy work to make sure every person is seen with dignity, treated with equality, and kept safe.

Here in Tacoma, Pride Month extends into July so that everyone can fully take part in events throughout the region. In this 253 tradition, we invite you to center our LGBTQIA2S+ campus members with love, joy, and respect.

We can begin by reflecting on the history and meaning of Pride Month as part of our journey towards understanding and connection. To learn more about the origins of Seattle’s Pride Festival and LGBTQIA2+ history in our state, check out the resources from the Washington State Office of Equity, the LGBTQ Commission, and the Seattle Out and Proud Foundation. The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) offers thoughtful guidance about how college professionals can support Black LGBTQIA2S+ students, amongst others, in the “Quest to Thrive.”

Join Us at Tacoma Pride Festival

For those who want to show up with and for each other, consider volunteering at the Tacoma Pride Festival on Saturday, July 11, at Wright Park. You can sign up here to volunteer with UW Tacoma’s Center for Equity and Inclusion team, which will be hosting a booth at the event.