Multicultural Bellevue:
LGBTQIA+ Community 

Bellevue, Washington, has a long history of inclusion and forward thinking policies, and is home to a diverse, multicultural community that consistently ranks among the most LGBTQIA+ inclusive cities in the country by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Enjoy the vibrant tapestry of Bellevue, a safe place where all are welcome. 

LGBTQIA+ CULTURE IN BELLEVUE

The State of Washington is considered one of the most progressive states in the United States, and Bellevue celebrates its vibrant LGBTQIA+ community.

PRIDE MONTH IN BELLEVUE

Bellevue, Washington is proud to celebrate Pride during Pride Month and any other day of the year. With a diverse community that includes LGBTQIA+ individuals who have made significant contributions to the city's culture and history, the City of Bellevue and its institutions support the LGBTQIA+ community in several ways. 

OUT & PROUD IN BELLEVUE

Bellevue, Washington, is a welcoming place for individuals of all identities. To Bellevue, celebrating pride happens 365 days out of the year, and the city government goes out of its way to set a tone of welcome for all. Since 2010, The City of Bellevue's Cultural Conversations program organizes monthly events that highlight the importance of diverse discourse to bring community members together through storytelling and conversations. The city's employers have also been supportive of LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace, for example, Microsoft began putting together its handbook about how to transition at work for trans employees over two decades ago.

Around town, there are plenty of places to spot Bellevue's rainbow colors. You'll find free pronoun buttons at Mox Boarding House in Bellevue, a hotspot for LGBTQ+ gamers who love table-top games in a restaurant/lounge format. The Pumphouse is a popular neighborhood bar located in downtown Bellevue, known for its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and diverse clientele. There's a rainbow crosswalk at the new Spring District neighborhood, where you can find the Meta headquarters and Bellevue Brewing Company.

For a more in depth list of LGTBQ+ Owned businesses in Bellevue, please visit the Intentionalist’s Business Finder page and the Eastside Queer-Owned Business Directory.

LGBTQ + RESOURCES

The LGBTQ+ community in Bellevue has a strong sense of community and has made significant contributions to the city's social and political landscape. The community is active in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and works to promote equality and inclusiveness.

• Bellevue Police Safe Place program was founded to designate businesses and other locations as safe locations for individuals to visit if they have been a victim of anti-LGBTQ crimes, including harrassment.
• PFLAG Bellevue Eastside was founded in 1996 as an outgrowth of Seattle PFLAG to focus on promoting diversity and inclusiveness in the Eastside.
• Eastside Pride PNW, a community-based LGBTQIA+ education and advocacy organization. Comprising LGBTQIA+ community members, students, parents, and allies, Eastside Pride PNW is committed to enhancing the lives of the Eastside LGBTQIA+ community.
• Pride Across the Bridge is another Eastside-focused organization that aims to create a safe, inclusive, and equitable community for 2SLGBTQIA+ people living in the area. Their mission is accomplished through unique safe space events, sharing vetted resources, and opportunities for local advocacy.

These organizations and groups work to create a safe and supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community and to promote their rights and well-being.