Washington State LGBTQ Commission Hosts Annual Meeting at CWU Multicultural Center

The Washington State LGBTQ Commission held its fifth public meeting of 2026 at Central Washington University (CWU) on October 23 and 24, according to reports from CWU and the official Washington State LGBTQ Commission website.

The gathering took place at the university’s new Multicultural Center (MCC) in Ellensburg and via Zoom. This meeting served as the commission’s final annual session for the year.

Commissioners used the two-day event to vote on commission business and learn about local 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations. The sessions also provided a forum for discussing specific issues currently facing Washingtonians within the community.

The commission, which was established by statute in 2019, travels to different locations throughout the year. This strategy aims to improve the state’s interface with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, and intersex residents.

By moving meetings to different regions, the body seeks to advocate for equity across all government agencies. Commissioner Ayanna Phillips noted the importance of this physical presence.

“It’s really important for us to show up so people know they can talk to us and that we’re willing to come to them and hear about their concerns and what the queer community needs from us as a representative body,” Phillips said.

Phillips added that the commission does not align with any specific political party and exists to serve the people of Washington.

Commission Co-Chair Leiyomi Preciado emphasized that partnering with higher education institutions is a core part of their outreach. During this final meeting of the year, the commission determined which locations it will visit throughout 2027.

Preciado stated that the commission works with local colleges and universities to increase its visibility and support these institutions. The goal is to solicit public feedback to ensure community voices impact state legislation.

The MCC served as the host for the Ellensburg portion of the meeting. Mal Stewman, the director of the MCC, described the center’s role as being a space where people feel welcomed and connected.

Stewman noted that hosting the commission allowed the university to strengthen relationships with the communities it serves. He expressed appreciation for the work done to make the gathering possible.

Washington State LGBTQ Commission Hosts Annual Meeting at CWU Multicultural Center

The commission’s public meetings typically occur five times a year. These plenary sessions include a dedicated portion for public comment, which allows individuals to share their personal experiences as 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the state.

According to the commission’s official website, participants can provide comments live in person or virtually. While the commission does not typically respond to comments during the meeting, officials direct any comments that merit action to the relevant committees.

The commission’s next scheduled public meeting will take place in Pullman, Washington, in May. That session is expected to feature discussions regarding state agency leadership and the response to 2SLGBTQIA+ data and privacy concerns.

“People are out there that do really care and are trying their best to make sure our community’s voice is heard and has an impact on legislation here in Washington,” Preciado said.