Washington State LGBTQ Commission

10/14/2026

Federal rules have caused confusion and anxiety about access to gender affirming care for youth in Washington. We want to reassure you that youth in Washington still have access to gender affirming services through Apple Health. Swipe through the slides for more information.

The Washington State LGBTQ Commission would like to extend our thanks to the health care providers that provide this necessary and life-saving care for youth in Washington. We also want to thank the staff at the Washington State Health Care Authority for their work in response to this rule.

Visit https://www.hca.wa.gov/free-or-low-cost-health-care/i-need-medical-dental-or-vision-care/transhealth-program or the link in our bio for further updates.

*Edited for typo correction in first graphic

09/11/2026

Last week, the Washington State Attorney General announced that Washington state is joining a coalition of states defending gender-affirming care coverage for youth and young adults. You can read the AG's full press release at the link in our bio.

Thank you to WA AG Nick Brown and his office for working to protect trans Washingtonians.

08/28/2026

The Washington State LGBTQ Commission has been playing close attention to any federal rulemaking that impacts the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Earlier this month, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a finalized rule that will have devastating impacts on 2SLGBTQIA+ people across the country.

⚕️The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a rule that bars Medicaid and CHIP from funding coverage of gender-affirming care for youth (under 18 for Medicaid and under 19 for CHIP)
💵This rule affects federal funds for Medicare/Medicaid plans and CHIP plans. It does not impact state funds for Medicare/Medicaid.
🏳️‍⚧️This rule was one of two rules that Washington opposed through a multi-agency statewide impact letter due to the devastating impacts it would have on Washington and the lack of scientific basis behind the proposal.
🏛️The Commission, alongside the Governor’s office and many other state partners, are monitoring the ever-changing legal landscape and prioritizing solutions that make sure that all Washingtonians, including gender-nonconforming and transgender youth, are respected, affirmed, and able to access the care they need. The Washington State LGBTQ Commission will continue to share information about impacts as soon as we are able.

📩We encourage those interested to sign up for the Washington Health Care Authority's Transhealth email notifications at the link in our bio 🔗

08/07/2026

In the wake of the Spokane Complex Fires, thousands of our neighbors, friends, and family have experienced sudden loss, disruption, and displacement. While we know that everyone who has been impacted will have a challenging road to recovery, we also recognize the unique challenges of our 2SLGBTQIA+ neighbors as they begin to rebuild. To help our 2SLGBTQIA+ community members who have been affected by the fire, Spectrum has established the Rainbow Relief Fund designed to provide support for essential needs, resources, and recovery efforts.

2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and families impacted by the fires can sign up for assistance at tinyurl.com/rainbowrelief. Please note that a Consent to Services form will need to be signed and submitted before receiving assistance. We can help with:

-Financial assistance for temporary housing
-Document updates and replacements
-Transportation
-Gender affirming products and services
-Clothing and body shapewear
-Basic hygiene products
-Medication replacement assistance
-Resource navigation

For more information, visit spectrumcenterspokane.org/rainbowrelief or email [email protected]

08/07/2026

Donations up to 1k are also being matched by a generous benefactor tonight. We are accepting donations of bottled water/Gatorade, Non-perishable food & snacks, T-Shirts, Underwear & Socks, Blankets, Sheets, Pillows, Toilet Paper, Wipes/Baby wipes, and Spray. We originally were not going to do as many donations other than monetary today, but we are going to send things directly to the Colville and Spokane Reservations. We hope to see you all later to help our community and be together during this difficult time. https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ep4MBabQn/

07/14/2026

📢BIG WIN: According to reporting from NPR, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is no longer going through with a proposed rule that would have conditioned Medicare and Medicaid funding to require hospitals to ban gender-affirming care. 🙅

🌈The WA LGBTQ Commission, along with a coalition of state leaders, submitted a 255-page letter opposing this proposed rule.📑 You can read the full letter at the link in our bio.🔗 We were joined by over 30,000 other comments from individuals, organizations, and agencies - showcasing the power of civic engagement and public input on rulemaking.🏛️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

🫂Thank you to Governor Bob Ferguson and his staff, Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer and OIC staff, Director of WA Health Care Authority Ryan Moran and HCA staff, WA Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham and DOH staff, Secretary of Dept. of Children Youth and Families Tana Senn and DCYF staff, and Office of Equity Director Megan Matthews and Equity staff for their work and collaboration opposing this rule. We are committed to continue showing up, speaking out, and defending Washingtonians from harmful rules that aren't supported by science.🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

07/06/2026

Join us from 1-2 p.m. on July 8 to learn more about WA Cares Fund – which provides working Washingtonians a way to earn access to long-term care benefits that will be available when they need them.

The webinar will cover:
• How the program works
• How to qualify and apply for benefits
• Out-of-state coverage
• How to find a WA Cares provider

There will also be an opportunity to get your questions answered. Live captioning and language interpretation will be available.

Register here: https://dshs-wa.zoom.us/webinar/register/6217821648354/WN_3O6L2qVDRhawiPp7BixfDw #/registration

07/01/2026

Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued its decision in two cases about transgender girls and women's participation in sports.

The Court ruled that transgender sports bans do not violate Title IX or the Equal Protection Clause. We know this ruling is deeply concerning for 2SLGBTQIA+ Washingtonians, especially our transgender, gender-nonconforming, and intersex community members. Here are some important things to know about this ruling:

❌This ruling DID NOT invalidate Washington's transgender inclusive sports policy❌

❌This ruling DID NOT institute a nationwide transgender sports ban❌

⚠️This ruling is a dangerous decision that impacts transgender youth across the nation in the 25+ states that have transgender sports bans and is yet another example of the relentless attack on transgender rights⚠️

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️Washington state leaders, in partnership with the Washington State LGBTQ Commission, have already been working to monitor the impacts of this ruling. Washington remains committed to being a national leader in gender equity and inclusivity in sports. 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 We stand alongside the transgender and intersex athletes impacted by this ruling, and we will continue to identify ways to support this community ⛹️‍♀️🏊‍♀️🏌️‍♀️🤸‍♀️🫂

06/30/2026

Important message from AG Nick Brown on today's Supreme Court ruling:

AG Brown statement on SCOTUS’ decision in West Virginia v. B.P.J. upholding states’ bans on trans athletes in school sports: