Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday the appointments of 15 people to serve on Washington’s new LGBTQ Commission.
J. Manny Santiago was named commission director in August. The LGBTQ Commission, established by the Legislature, was signed into law by Inslee last April. The commission will identify the needs of the LGBTQ community and advocate for LGBTQ equity and inclusion in all aspects of state government.
“It is incredibly important to have a commission focused on this needs of the LGBTQ community in our state,” Inslee said in a news release. “The commission will be a valuable resource to all Washingtonians and provide recommendations and advice to my office, the Legislature and state agencies on issues important to all LGBTQ people.”
“This is an incredibly diverse group of people to serve on the LGBTQ Commission,” Santiago said. “The collective experience of this group on issues that affect LGBTQ Washingtonians of every background will be crucial as we continue to advance LGBTQ rights in our state. These people represent every corner of our state and I look forward to working with them to identify the needs of our community throughout Washington.”
The appointees were chosen by the governor with input from members of the state House and Senate and community stakeholders. Commissioners will serve three-year staggered terms.
The commission’s first meeting will take place in late January or early February.
All appointments to the commission are effective immediately.
The appointees:
Marsha Botzer, Ingersoll Gender Center, King County
Alvaro Figueroa, Avista Corporation, Spokane County
Josette Ross, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Pierce County
Karen Goldsen, University of Washington, Island County
Matt Landers, GSBA, King County
Jac Archer, Spokane Human Rights Commission, Spokane County
Michelle Kelly-Barroga, Oasis Youth Center, Pierce County
Isyss Honnen, Pride Foundation, King County
Everett Maroon, Blue Mountain Heart to Heart, Walla Walla County
Beto Yarce, Ventures, Snohomish County
Maeve Griffith, City of Spokane, Spokane County
Steven Sawyer, People of Color Against Aids Network, King County
Jeffrey Robinson, Franklin Co. Dem Committee, Franklin County
Tobi Hill-Meyer, Gender Justice League, Thurston County
Lars Erickson, WSDOT, King County
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