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Author: Jill Mullins

seattle dyke march 2023 logo
By Jill Mullins

Seattle Dyke March & Rally 2023 Announcement! 

We are two months away from the annual Seattle Dyke March and Rally on June 24th, 2023! We are celebrating our 29th year of the March, but as with most things, time brings change. We will still have the Rally from 5-7PM and the March will begin between 7-8PM when the Rally ends. We are moving to Volunteer Park and having an unpermitted march around the North Capitol Hill neighborhood. 

The Seattle Dyke Rally will be held at Volunteer Park on June 24th, 2023 at 5PM. As in previous years, this will be a celebration of dyke-identity from across the gender spectrum. Our stage is a place to highlight and honor the experiences, pleasures, activism and identities of queer women and dyke-identified people — that much is unchanged. If you are interested in speaking or performing at this year’s Dyke March, please reach out to organizers@seattledykemarch.org, but please keep in mind that we ask that all persons on stage be dyke-identified. The Seattle Dyke Rally is an annual event to highlight the voices of queer women and dyke-identified people across the gender spectrum, so please be respectful of this effort and uplift these voices during our event. 

Second, since the Rally will be hosted at Volunteer Park, that is also where the March will begin from. Since we are marching unpermitted and without police involvement, we have moved to this new location to protect the safety of our marchers and limit disruption to Seattle public transportation. There are risks associated with participating in an unpermitted march, and we completely understand if anyone is uncomfortable participating. If you plan to participate, please know your rights and come prepared. 

Want to attend the Rally and not the March? That’s fine! However you choose to show up during Pride is valued and appreciated. In addition to the Rally, we will also be hosting a number of other events throughout Pride and during the rest of the year, so this is not your only opportunity to find community! 

Why are we moving? 

There are logistical reasons, like trying to find a venue that will make sound easier through access to electricity, but the main reason we are moving is to have a March and Rally on Capitol Hill during Pride weekend that better aligns with our values. Historically, the Seattle Dyke March has been a permitted event at Seattle Pride. We have spent several years attempting to find a way to safely do a march that does not require a police escort. We have been unable to get traction on changing the law or the interpretation of the law which requires a police management of controlled intersections. We have also been unable to secure the volunteer force sufficient enough to block streets to feel like we could safely do a march through a busier neighborhood. This move allows us to keep the March, while making sure that we keep people safe. 

In addition, without being permitted, we won’t be able to coordinate with King County Metro about bus routes. The Dyke March is mindful about how important access to reliable public transportation is and our historic route needs coordination with King County Metro. 

Why is it important to us to have a march without a police escort? 

We are sure that the vast majority of people familiar with the values of Dyke Marches understand why the institution of policing is problematic. The Seattle Police Department has a long, troubled history. Throughout the 1900s, the Seattle Police Department was considered corrupt due to the collusion with criminalized gambling and sex work. 

In 2010, Seattle Police killed an innocent Native American woodcarver, John T. Williams. The Department of Justice investigated, and the Seattle Police Department has been under a consent decree since 2011 to attempt to correct its racist/biased policing that is so pervasive it was found to violate our constitutional rights.  

In that time, we have witnessed many other incidents of violence and death at the hands of police. 

We also witness the ways SPD disrespect the civilians it is supposed to serve and protect. In the middle of the CHOP/CHAZ protests, the SPD engaged in radio chatter about Proud Boys coming to the Capitol Hill to try and scare people into leaving. 

Last year, with the rising levels of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, when trying to discuss how SPD would respond to protestors, SPD made it very clear that they would do nothing to prevent protesters from attempting to infiltrate our permitted event — something that we have seen in the past. The way the police will stand by when someone is yelling and screaming obscenities, hateful rhetoric, and clearly attempting to start conflict. The only time they would get involved is if the protester assaulted someone, and the person who was assaulted was willing to file a complaint. The police made it clear that if anyone in the March attempted to keep the protester out, they could be subject to arrest if they touched the protester and the protester complained. 

The reality is that having SPD at our event is inconsistent with our values. We should have never done a permitted route if it meant SPD had to escort us. We should have stopped having the escort after the killing of John T. Williams. We should have stopped after the killing of Charleena Lyles. We should not have done our first post-pandemic march with a permit. But we cannot keep marching with a permit even though we failed to do better in the past. 

How will the route change impact other parts of the March? 

Dykes on Bikes will be joining us for the 2023 march, but in a different capacity than previous years. Due to the new route, we are not confident that the more narrow streets will be able to accommodate the Dykes on Bikes and their need to do circles to prevent damage to vehicles from idling at low speeds. Therefore, Dykes on Bikes will begin the march, but the riders will move to block intersections as the march continues.  

We are checking to determine whether we will be able to have the accessible bus on our route. If not, we will be exploring other options so people who want to be a part of the March but have barriers to walking the entire route can still participate. 

It is a challenge, giving up our historic route and knowing that we may lose some of the incredible feeling of community that is collectively marching through the main streets of our gayborhood. It is hard navigating what will be safe for our community, knowing many people may not even know what the difference between a permitted and unpermitted march are. We trust our community of Dykes will understand and support this decision. We look forward to marching in community in ways that feel safe. Figuring out what our future Marches will look like is going to be a work in progress. We invite your feedback — you can always reach us at organizers@seattledykemarch.org.

We can’t wait to celebrate and march with you! 

By Jill Mullins

Juneteenth

The Seattle Dyke March recognizes Juneteenth, a holiday that in many ways demonstrates the difficulty of the fight against one of our nation’s original sins: the enslavement of human beings. Juneteenth marks a day two and a half years after slavery was supposed to have ended in confederate states — but didn’t end in Texas until June 19, 1865. The Thirteenth Amendment would officially end slavery (except in the case of incarceration) on December 6, 1865.

It is well past time we begin to celebrate the end of slavery. It is well past time we begin to honor the importance of ending the enslavement of human beings.

There has been so much systemic racism in our country and in particular Washington state, when founded as the Oregon Territory, excluded Black people from residing in its borders.

We know that Juneteenth as a holiday does not equate to Black liberation. We will keep pushing for reparations, voting rights, fair housing, health equity, and police reform.

By Jill Mullins

Seattle Dyke March Supports Take B(l)ack Pride

As you are considering what events to attend and support this Pride season, please educate yourself about who is running those events. The in-person “Capitol Hill Pride” event is being run by people with a long history of inserting themselves and attempting to displace community events and center themselves. Their attack on Taking B(l)ack Pride is the latest example. The Seattle Dyke March fully supports Taking B(l)ack Pride, the Trans Women of Color Solidarity Network who is organizing it, and the concept of charging admission to non-Black people who want to attend their event.
Information on Taking B(l)ack Pride, and How To Donate📢@twocsolidaritynetwork (facebook.com/TWOCSolidarityNW) is putting on TAKING B[L]ACK PRIDE on June 26th at 1PM.
💰Venmo: @TWOCSolidarity-NW
💰Cash App: $TWOCSolidarity-NW
💰PayPal: TWOCSolidarityNW

Details from Taking B(l)ack Pride’s Facebook Page (as of 6/20/21)

In collaboration with: Trans Women of Color Solidarity Network ,Alphabet Alliance of Color, Queer the LandTo Our Community,
Our hearts break in the shadow of the recent deaths of our trans siblings Dominique Lucious, Diamond Kyree Sanders and Jaida Peterson. This Pride we honor our fallen, and raise them up! This Pride Month we take our community back!
“TAKING B[L]ACK PRIDE” is about lifting the voices, narratives, and contributions of black queer and trans voices. It’s about centering who we are and what we need to feel empowered, joyful, and heard.
****All are free to attend HOWEVER this is a BLACK AND BROWN QUEER TRANS CENTERED, PRIORITIZED, VALUED, EVENT.
White allies and accomplices are welcome to attend but will be charged a $10 to $50 reparations fee that will be used to keep this event free of cost for BLACK AND BROWN Trans and Queer COMMUNITY. ****
Please join us for our HOEVID-19 Ball with $400 category prizes and much much more!
Come join us for food, movies in the park, performances and open speak spaces, art healing spaces, music, and, dancing in a social distancing friendly park!
We will also have a Covid-19 vaccine clinic
(Masks Mandatory masks available.) To volunteer, click here:
https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSesk7TjK49…/viewform…
Support TAKING B[L]ACK PRIDE!
Venmo- @TWOCSolidarity-NW
Cash App-$TWOCSolidarityNW
PayPal-TWOCSolidarityNW
Accessibility:
ASL interpreters will be available for the main performances and Ball. We will live stream the event And pin ASL Interpreters. Jimi Hendrix Park has wheel chair accessible pathways to the park from parking lot and sidewalks. Access map will be available soon to show accessible entrances, parking, bathrooms

By Jill Mullins

Dyke March Newsletter 6/9/21 – Virtual Showcase

Saturday, June 26, at 5pm we will continue to celebrate and honor the talents of queer women and dyke-identified people across the gender spectrum through our 2021 Pride Virtual Showcase. We are excited to host Tracey Wong, 1st-generation Chinese-American (Gaginang) dancer, educator, and community event organizer who will captivate us with her moves. Also captivating us with her moves will be Luna Sol (a/k/a Stephy Styles) doing a Waacking Burlesque. If you’re not familiar with Waacking, check out this YouTube video linking the dance style to LGBTQ history and community. Delphine Elliott ushers in the next generation of singer-songwriters with an Indie/Pop sound, and Grae Violet is a singer-songwriter and spoken word artist who blends dreamy vocals with 80s style synth-pop beats for a trippy alt-pop sound that centers her unique black queer artist perspective on all of her work. Save Your Spot Now!Dyke March favorite, Naomi Ishisaka wrote an article about the anniversary of George Floyd’s murder. 
Queer & Trans Pop-Up Market in White Center on June  12- Check out VietQ’s Facebook page for more info. 
Century Ballroom OutDancing is venturing into the vaccinated events world by hosting the first OutDancing event in over a year. Vaccines required and it maxes at 50. Friday, June 11, 2021, 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.  
Seattle Pride will hold an online event during Pride Weekend (June 26-27, 11am-5pm). 
Pacific Northwest Black Pride Theme in 2021: “Stronger Together Fighting: Anti-Blackness – Centering Black Trans Lives” – watch the website for details about a possible event possibly in October. 
Pride Asia Fest was May 30 and the video is online. 
Entre Hermanos is already advertising for their annual Día De Muertos Gala in October.

Dyke Discussions – News, books, commentary, and more that has captured our attention
Seattle Times article providing resources for mental health for BIPOC. 
The ACLU-Wa series on policing in Washington, from budgets, overtime, and the war drugs and a new series to explore. 
LGBT Allyship sent out an summarizing the recent Washington legislative session and continues to provide information and resources for renters. 

LGBTQ Issues and stories captivating us 
Making Gay History recent podcast honored Kay Lahusen, January 5, 1930 – May 26, 2021. Kay was a monumental figure in the LGBTQ civil rights movement with Barbara Gittings, her partner in life and activism. Her frustration with mainstream movements resonated with the Dyke March desire to always explore how we can do better than assimilation or the status quo. 
Aisha Ibrahim, becomes the first female executive chef at Canlis and she’s joined by her partner, Samantha Beaird.
The Seattle Dyke March is looking for poets, musicians, and artists of all kinds to amplify the art and activism of queer women and dyke identified performers. If you, or someone you know, is interested in a spot on our virtual gallery, please contact us via email of fill out our google form at http://bit.ly/SeattleDykeMarchGallery
By Jill Mullins

Dyke March April 21, 2021 Newsletter

Community Spotlight – Hothouse Spa
Long time Seattle Dyke March supporter and community creator, the Hothouse, has opened it’s doors on a limited basis. Prior to pandemic, Hothouse was a drop-in spa for cis and trans women. Recently it opened up for private rentals for up to four people. Dyke March organizer, Jill Mullins, and lover of the Hothouse was able to reserve some time at the Hothouse. It felt great to support this local queer-owned business – and most importantly, it felt safe. The spa was super clean. Masks are required to be worn while at the spa. Jill used her cloth face mask. Hothouse provides face masks and it was nice to use the disposable face mask they provided afterward (masks get damp and it was great to leave with a fresh mask). 
Owner, Julio, helped with the check-in. He was delightful and chatted, answering all sorts of questions about what it’s like to keep the Hothouse open so that it will survive the pandemic. He also had a phone attachment for the audio system and Jill and her spa partner got to enjoy their own playlist while soaking, steaming, and enjoying the sauna. He creates a super safe feeling at the spa and provides a 15 minute notice through a doorbell sound so you can relax and not think about the time. 
Go to https://www.hothousespa.com/ to book your visit!  Dyke March favorite, Naomi Ishisaka continues to publish interesting comments articles about race and social justice, continuing the conversation about Asian Americans discrimination and writing about a new Washington State Supreme Court holding Washington’s drug statute unconstitutional. Naomi and Anika Varty are creating a Seattle Times Equity & Inclusion Newsletter.
Gal Pals Watch Podcast dropped a new podcast discussing Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie’s Dead Aunt). 
After attending a StopAsianHate Rally, the Seattle Dyke March has a new favorite dancer, Tracey Wong! She has several videos and details about some great work she does in community.

Dyke Discussions – News, books, commentary, and more that has captured our attention
It is hard to think of anything other than racialized violence. The murders of Asian women at spas, members of the Sikh community at the FedEx facility, and the endless police violence and murders of Black and Brown folks. We think one of the best things we can do to express our solidarity is to amplify the family, community, and people doing work to create change. 

Black Lives Matter As the verdict came down, we have been captivated by the family of George Floyd and the way the horror of the death of their family member echoes Emmitt Till and his mother Mamie Till Bradley’s demand for an open casket to raise awareness. 
We also continue to turn to Dr. Angela Davis and her lifelong history of fighting police violence, talking about important changes to – prison reform, defunding the police, restructuring the bail system. 
We continue to support Black Voters Matter and pay attention to the Republican efforts to remake our democracy and radically extend the already discriminatory voting practices that exist in many states, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court ended some of the Voting Rights Act protections in 2013 in Shelby County v. Holder. 
We continue to say their names, most recently, Duante Writght, 20 and Ma’Khia Bryant, 16, and so many more that do not become as well know. The African American Policy Forum allows us to dig deep, with their most recent YouTube (4 hour) video, UCLA Law Review’s 2021 Annual Symposium (Day 1), Structural Inequality and the Law
We’re also excited to explore some films at Seattle Black Film Festival. As avid listeners to NPR’s Code switch, back in February, we listened to a podcast about Black romance novels and discovered Beverly Jenkins historical fiction novels that are fun to read while also providing some historical information. 
LGBTQ Issues and stories captivating us 
The LeGALs podcast provides interesting discussions about the issues impacting LGBTQ community in the courts, with a recent podcast about expected cases to come to the Supreme Court.
The ACLU At Liberty Podcast has so many good podcasts on all the issues, and in April they had a conversation with Chase Strangio about legislation attacking Trans youth. 
There’s also the push to get the Equality Act passed, which will clarify that LGBTQ people cannot be discriminated against n employment, housing, credit, education, public accommodations (things like restaurants, hotels, and theaters), and jury service (on the state level, in Washington, this is already the law). 
Inspired the by Seattle Lesbian Literature Meetup book club April read, we recently read, “Red at the Bone” by Jacqueline Woodson and loved the weaving of intergenerational stories and the way in which queerness has become a part of stories. 
By Jill Mullins

Supporting Lesbian Community Businesses in Covid

When coming to a new city or Coming Out or getting out of a relationship, we often crave community spaces. Spaces where we may be able to meet other queer women (inclusively and expansively defined). Two places in Seattle have been significant sources of community for many a Seattle Dyke. We encourage you to support them so we can all go out and celebrate when we can safely enjoy being in the community again. 

Century Ballroom

The Century Ballroom is a long time Dyke March supporter. For years, we have done an OutDancing Fundraiser with them. OutDancing is a monthly queer social dancing night in Century Ballroom’s iconic space. Hallie and Allison have been creating space for queers to come to socialize through dancing since forever (check out this adorable video made in 2015 about Century Ballroom Swing Girls). In recent years, they have been able to sustain a Friday night queer dance lesson series that seemed to keep growing and building before the pandemic. 

Of course, in the pandemic, the Century cannot do all the dance classes and dance nights we love. However, this kind of community will be vital to our ability to recover and reconnect in the pandemic’s aftermath. 

There are two main ways to support the Century. The first is their GoFundMe Fundraiser – available at https://www.gofundme.com/f/-campaign-for-CenturyBallroom. Another way to help them is by getting food from Tin Table. They’re keeping it interesting by changing up the menu and having special event menus for events like the inauguration and Valentine’s Day. 

The Wildrose Bar (a/k/a The Rose)

There is a special magic that can happen simply by having space just for us.  It’s hard to be a queer woman in Seattle and not have a story or a dozen about the Rose. Once upon a time, they had Spoken Word nights, and I got to feature and MC on different occasions. There were long-standing trivia and karaoke, and I learned some of my friends have excellent singing voices and range. Once upon a time, there were pool tables, and hanging out on a slow night with one of my BFFs and my queer twin, led my queer twin to a friendship that would go strong for more than a decade and open the door to the world of rugby. Pre-pandemic, my lesbian book club would occasionally end up on the dance floor on a Saturday evening, sardined in with a bunch of queer women. 

Who hasn’t spent part of Pride at the Wildrose? Reuniting with people you maybe only see once or twice a year, but once upon a time, you hung out all through a period in your 20s (or 30s, or… ). Sunday at Pride has long been a fundraiser, with the door cost donated towards various LGBTQ nonprofits. 

The Wildrose is open as much as it can be during the Covid Times. Their Facebook page seems to be the best place to get updated information. Taco Tuesday is still happening! Martha’s homemade chicken enchiladas are available every day. You can also make a donation via their GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-wildrose-needs-your-help 

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If you know of other lesbian, bi, queer women (inclusively and expansively defined) businesses you’d like us to spotlight, let us know.