Text of WA SR 8642 (2025)

WHEREAS, Washington state acknowledges and honors the rich 1 tapestry of its people, recognizing that our diversity is a 2 cornerstone of our collective strength and that Washington has a 3 long-standing tradition of upholding the dignity, safety, and rights 4 of the individual; and 5 WHEREAS, Washington state supports equal treatment and access for 6 all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and 7 expression, and believes in the values of equity and belonging for 8 all people; and 9 WHEREAS, We affirm that transgender, nonbinary, and gender- 10 diverse individuals have always been integral to our communities, 11 contributing to our shared history, culture, and the continued 12 advancement of equity, equality, and justice; and 13 WHEREAS, Throughout history, transgender and gender-diverse 14 individuals have been present in all cultures and societies. Gender 15 diversity has existed for all time; woven into the fabric of human 16 existence across cultures, geographies, and generations. As we 17 observe Transgender Day of Visibility, we affirm that transgender, 18 nonbinary, and gender-diverse people have always been here, not as an 19 exception to history, but as an essential and enduring part of it; 20 and 21 WHEREAS, Washington state has been at the forefront of advancing 22 transgender rights, enacting anti-discrimination protections, 23 SENATE RESOLUTION 8642 By Senators Dhingra, C. Wilson, Riccelli, Pedersen, Hasegawa, Kauffman, Ramos, Krishnadasan, Liias, Stanford, Robinson, Saldaña, Cortes, Trudeau, Frame, Bateman, Wellman, Valdez, Slatter, Lovick, Orwall, Alvarado, Chapman, Conway, and Shewmake p. 1 8642 ensuring equal treatment in employment, housing, and public 1 accommodations. These milestones reflect our state's continued 2 commitment to ensuring transgender people can live openly, 3 safely, and with dignity—fostering a sense of belonging and 4 community in every space; and 5 WHEREAS, Transgender Day of Visibility aims to uplift and 6 celebrate the lives and accomplishments of the transgender 7 community, while also recognizing the resilience and strength it 8 takes to thrive in the face of ongoing discrimination and 9 systemic barriers; and 10 WHEREAS, Transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals 11 deserve to have not only the barriers they face acknowledged but 12 also their brilliance, creativity, joy, and leadership 13 celebrated; and 14 WHEREAS, On this Transgender Day of Visibility, we celebrate 15 the brilliance, creativity, and joy that transgender, nonbinary, 16 and gender-diverse individuals bring to our communities. Their 17 contributions enrich our culture, strengthen our economy, and 18 enhance the social fabric, growing diversity, and prosperity of 19 our state; and 20 WHEREAS, Washingtonians are encouraged to observe this day 21 and uplift their transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse 22 family, friends, neighbors, and community members, focusing on 23 their strength, resilience, and accomplishments beyond the 24 adversity and into the joy of their existence; and 25 WHEREAS, We acknowledge the challenges that persist in 26 creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for all. 27 The Senate honors their identities, experiences, and the joy 28 they bring to our collective community; 29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State 30 Senate honor Transgender Day of Visibility and acknowledge the 31 contributions made by the transgender community to our state. 32 I, Sarah Bannister, Secretary of the Senate, 33 do hereby certify that this is a true and 34 correct copy of Senate Resolution 8642, 35 adopted by the Senate 36 p. 2 8642 March 31, 2025 1 SARAH BANNISTER 2 Secretary of the Senate 3 p. 3 8642