Disrespect shown for Lake Stevens trans community

Published 1:30 am Thursday, July 6, 2023

During the Lake Stevens city council meeting of June 27, councilmember Gary Petershagen and Mayor Brett Gailey used their time to voice their concern about “biological men entering women’s sports” as part of the reason why they did not support a Pride Proclamation. Councilmember Kim Daughtry complained about being yelled at within five minutes of arriving at Pride at the Lake, stating, “to speak of inclusion on your side of the dialogue is hollow.” Councilmembers Petershagen, Kim Daughtry and Steve Ewing made a point to focus on those who spoke “respectfully” after several community members angrily shamed them during public comment.

As James Baldwin once said, “We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.”

We often do not realize the full scope of consequences that come from our words and actions. The “no” vote and the subsequent explanations will absolutely lead to even more violence within our community toward our trans siblings. You don’t get to demand respect when you dehumanize entire groups of people.

Trans people have always existed and will continue to exist. The elected white hetero men of the Lake Stevens refuse to understand that the way they move through the world is not how the rest of us are able to exist. I encourage those who see the humanity in everyone to vote, speak during public comment, demand cities to pass resolutions that guarantee the safety of our marginalized siblings. When elected officials rely on tone policing to avoid accountability, it’s time to vote them out.

Saffron Coelho

Lake Stevens