Health is Wealth: Why the WA Department of Health and Deaunte Damper Are Joining Forces for Pride
In our community, we know that true power comes from taking care of one another. As we celebrate Seattle Pride 2026, we are witnessing an alignment that proves that when institutions and community leaders work together, we can bridge the gap in health equity. That’s why Seattle Pride 2026 Grand Marshal and We Live In Color host Deaunte Damper is partnering with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) HIV Program.
A Partnership Rooted in Purpose
For those who have followed Deaunte’s journey since his HIV diagnosis in 2013, this partnership is a natural evolution of a decade of advocacy. As the host of We Live In Color, the only Black queer-focused television show in the country, he has consistently used his platform to prioritize harm reduction, mental health, and the visibility of Black and brown queer individuals.
Commitment to the LGBTQ+ Community
The Washington State Department of Health’s HIV Program has made it clear: they are committed to serving all Washingtonians, with a deliberate focus on the LGBTQ+ community. Alongside Deaunte, the DOH is making sure our communities engage in the "real talk" that saves lives. They ensure that resources like PrEP, other HIV prevention, and health access are not just available, but visible and accessible.
Why This Matters
Real ones check in on their health, and they check in on their crew. By backing the Grand Marshal and We Live In Color, the DOH is showing up in our spaces, on our TVs, and in our social feeds.
As we hit the streets for Pride, let’s keep this energy going. We are celebrating the joy, the resilience, and the health of our community. Thanks to this partnership, we’re making sure that every member of our community feels supported, informed, and empowered to take control of their health future.
King County Testing Sites: tinyurl.com/KingCountyTestingSites
PrEP Providers: tinyurl.com/PrEPProviders1
PrEP DAP Providers: tinyurl.com/PrEPProviders2
