Ex-Washington state worker claims OSPI fired her over school board vote on trans athletes A former director at Washington state’s schools agency alleges the state superintendent fired her after she voted as a local school board member in support of barring trans girls from competing in girls’ sports. Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard
Seattle's LGBTQ scene circa 2003 comes to life in author Mike Curato's adult debut Author Mike Curato's adult debut, "Gaysians," a graphic novel that feels like the natural next step from the semi-autobiographical "Flamer." It's bold and funny and, yes, unabashedly gay. Katie Campbell
Gender-inclusive policies spark federal investigation of Washington schools agency The U.S. Department of Education has opened a broad investigation of the Washington state superintendent’s office over its gender-inclusive schools policies. Sami West
Proposal to keep trans athletes out of girls' sports fails in Washington state Washington state’s governing body for middle and high school athletics has rejected a proposal to limit participation in girls’ sports to students assigned female at birth. Sami West
Washington schools grapple with conflicting policy on trans sports Transgender student athletes, and the schools they play for in Washington, are facing some new uncertainty, as they face conflicting guidance from state and federal officials. Sami West Play AudioListen 5 mins
Victim of alleged transgender hate crime ‘distraught’ at news of second attack A Seattle man already awaiting trial for one hate crime charge has now been charged in a second case stemming from a University District encounter last Thursday. Prosecutors described both incidents as unprovoked attacks on transgender women. Amy Radil
Memoirist Putsata Reang talks about the 'complicated love' for America, Cambodia, and Ma This is the KUOW Book Club, and we just finished reading "Ma and Me" by Putsata Reang. I'm your club guide, Katie Campbell. Let's get into it. Katie Campbell Play AudioListen 31 mins
Transgender sports policies at heart of federal complaint from Washington school district The Kennewick School Board has lodged a federal Title IX complaint against Washington state officials. At issue: the state’s current policies that allow transgender students to compete on sports teams consistent with their gender identity. Sami West
Seattle judge extends order preserving access to gender-affirming care for trans youth The order temporarily blocks the Trump administration's ban on federal funding for institutions that provide such care to people under age 19. Amy Radil
Romance leaps off the page during pop-up weddings at Seattle LGBTQ+ bookstore The pop-ups were created in the weeks following the 2024 presidential election, as members of the queer community were feeling anxious and uncertain about the future legality and foundation of their marriages. Noel Gasca
