DeAunte Damper kicked off Pride with intention, taking us straight to one of Seattle’s most powerful civic traditions — the 13th Annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall. Held inside the Bertha Knight Landes Room and organized by the Seattle LGBTQ Commission in partnership with Mayor Bruce Harrell and the City Council, this year’s event was a vibrant and deeply moving public declaration that LGBTQ+ lives — especially Black and Brown trans lives — are worthy of protection, investment, and joy.

This was far more than a symbolic gesture. It was a gathering of community leaders whose work continues to shape the city’s future. Commissioner Landon Labosky, a public administrator and current candidate for Seattle School Board, grounded the event in the protest roots of Pride. Co-chair Ashley Ford, a seasoned nonprofit leader and public health advocate, highlighted the ongoing fight for trans visibility and care. Nakita Venus, Executive Director of Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center, shared their journey from grassroots organizing to executive leadership, emphasizing that “transness is a gift” and joy is revolutionary. And Jaelynn Scott, who leads the Lavender Rights Project, reminded the crowd that true solidarity means resourcing Black and Brown trans-led organizations year-round — not just during Pride.

The ceremony also featured remarks from Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, who affirmed Seattle’s commitment to being a place where every person can live fully and authentically. When DeAunte joined the commission and city leaders to raise the flag together, it wasn’t just a tradition — it was a declaration of continued resistance and unity.

To learn more or get involved with the Seattle LGBTQ Commission, visit seattle.gov/lgbtq.

📺 Catch Back 2 BESA this Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle, with a replay Sunday at 10 a.m. on FOX 13+, and stream it FREE nationwide on the FOX Local app.

Because pride without action is just performance — and here in Seattle, we lead with both purpose and power!