Multicultural Bellevue: LGBTQ+ Community 

Bellevue, Washington, is home to a diverse community, including individuals from the LGBTQ+ community. This group has made significant cultural contributions to the city. The LGBTQ+ community in Bellevue is a testament to the diversity and inclusiveness that the city is known for. 

A Safe Place

The Safe Place program in Bellevue, Washington, is an initiative led by the Bellevue Police Department that aims to provide a safe haven for individuals who are victims of hate crimes, harassment, or intimidation. The program designates public places, such as businesses and government offices, as safe spaces where individuals can seek assistance, shelter, and protection from potential harm. These designated safe places are identified by a distinctive decal placed in a visible location, indicating that the business or organization is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals.

Pride Month in Bellevue

Bellevue is proud to embrace Pride Month with two exciting new events that celebrate and support the local LGBTQ+ community.

Pride Month Celebration at City Hall

On June 1, the City of Bellevue hosts a Pride Month community party at Bellevue City Hall. The event is a grand celebration that features a keynote speech, performances from local LGBTQ+ artists, music, and food. The Pride flag raising in the morning, with remarks from city leaders celebrating the contributions of the local LGBTQ+ community and Bellevue's diversity, is a must-see event. The event is also live streamed on the city’s YouTube channel for those who cannot attend in person. In the spirit of inclusion, alternate formats, interpreters, or reasonable accommodations are provided upon request.

Paws & Pride Dog Jog & Walk

On June 4 at 8:30 a.m., join us for the inaugural Paws & Pride Dog Jog & Walk at Ashwood Park, adjacent to Bellevue Library. This event is a non-competitive 4k stroll through the streets of Bellevue, welcoming all participants - with or without pups! Spotlighting Eastside Pride PNW and their vision of a world free of prejudice and bias, the event promises to be a memorable celebration of Pride Month. The event also supports Seattle Humane of Bellevue and Lambert House, an organization that empowers LGBTQ+ youth. After the walk, be sure to stay for the "after-pawty" featuring local drag queen Gaysha Starr and an interactive hands-on mosaic pride experience facilitated by Cheryl Smith Mosaics, among other activities.

Seattle Pride

While Bellevue now hosts its own Pride events, Seattle Pride, an annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, is just a short trip away. The festivities include a colorful parade, street festival, concerts, parties, and other events that showcase the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can experience the excitement of Seattle Pride while also enjoying the unique spirit of Bellevue.

A Night Out

Bellevue, Washington, has several fun bars that embrace the LGBTQ+ community, two of which are The Pumphouse and The Madison Pub. The Pumphouse is a popular neighborhood bar located in downtown Bellevue, known for its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and diverse clientele. The Madison Pub is another popular bar in Seattle that embraces the LGBTQ+ community, featuring a casual and laid-back atmosphere with a full bar and pub fare.

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

Community Ties

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. The city is home to a number of LGBTQ+ organizations and groups, such as PFLAG Bellevue, which is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusiveness in the city. 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. And, 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.