Advocates urged Mayor Katie Wilson to declare a civil emergency, citing rising arrivals of trans people and strain on local services.
SEATTLE — LGBTQ advocates and community members rallied at Seattle City Hall on Saturday, calling on Mayor Katie Wilson to declare a civil emergency as more transgender people and families relocate to the city seeking safety, health care and support.
Dozens marched through downtown Seattle carrying signs and chanting in support of additional city resources for transgender residents and newcomers fleeing anti-LGBTQ laws and political climates in other states. Seattle police monitored the march and rally Saturday afternoon. From what KING 5 crews saw, the demonstration remained peaceful.
“We deserve to be here. This is our voice. This is our time,” said Elle Missouri Cree, who moved to Seattle from Arkansas in December 2024.
Andrew Ashiofu, a member of the Seattle LGBTQ Commission, said the request for an emergency declaration comes as local organizations struggle to meet growing demand for housing, health care and community services.
“The letter came at a time where we need to start protecting ourselves,” Ashiofu said.
Ashiofu said the commission has seen an increase in transgender people and families moving to Seattle, particularly from conservative states.
“Trans people are coming, from especially red states, to Seattle, not just for gender-affirming care but for safety,” Ashiofu said. “We’re seeing families coming to Seattle to protect their trans kids.”
The commission argued that a civil emergency declaration would allow the city to coordinate resources faster, evaluate community needs and speed up funding for support services.
While there is no exact local data tracking the number of LGBTQ arrivals in Seattle, organizers pointed to a study by the Movement Advancement Project and the University of Chicago that found at least 400,000 transgender and gender nonconforming people have moved to another state since November 2024 because of anti-LGBTQ laws or political conditions.
Cree noted that she experienced harassment before relocating to Seattle.
“I was being harassed and intimidated to the point my personal safety was in jeopardy,” she said.
She said moving to Seattle allowed her to openly transition and feel supported.
“I was finally able to fulfill the dream to be able to transition,” Cree said. “It’s been incredible.”
In a letter to the Seattle LGBTQ Commission, Wilson said she agrees a “coordinated, citywide approach” is needed and plans to create a team this summer to evaluate service capacity and available resources for community organizations.
Ashiofu said Saturday’s rally gave him hope despite the challenges facing the community.
“When I look at what’s happening today and the people marching right now, it gives me hope,” he said.
