By Hannah Saunders
The volunteer-led group focused on preserving Seattle’s historically Queer and nude beach, Friends of Denny Blaine, proposed a resolution recognizing the LGBTQ+ history of Denny Blaine Park ahead of Pride Month. The resolution was brought to the city’s LGBTQ Commission, and was sent to Mayor Katie Wilson’s office then the city council in February, and it has been stuck in consideration since.
“The call comes at a time when that history is increasingly being erased across the country and state, making public recognition and preservation more urgent than ever,” Friends of Denny Blaine said. “If LGBTQ+ history is not preserved publicly, it becomes easier for people with power to rewrite it privately. When that history disappears, future generations begin believing those communities never existed in the first place.”
Denny Blaine has been an important gathering place for LGBTQ+ people for decades, and is a safe space where they can express body and gender positivity while building community. Friends of Denny Blaine stated that recognizing this Queer history is crucial because it’s a reminder that the community has always and will always exist. The group is urging the council to immediately adopt this resolution, which would formally honor the cultural significance of the park and require the city to install features, like a Pride flag or other symbol.
Friends of Denny Blaine also noted that approving this resolution would mean the City would support the group working with Seattle Parks and Rec to document, analyse, and share the Queer history of the park.
“While the park is already listed on the Washington State Register of Historic Places, official recognition from the City would provide additional local protections and support preservation efforts beyond what the state designation offers,” Friends of Denny Blaine said. “If LGBTQ+ history is not preserved publicly, it becomes easier for people with power to rewrite it privately. When that history disappears, future generations begin believing those communities never existed in the first place.”
With increasingly targeted attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in Seattle and nationwide, the adoption of this resolution is vital in ensuring history is not erased and that Queer people have a joyous space outdoors to gather.
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