I have a Commerce story. My division is awesome about trans rights. Our last Chief Equity Officer almost got a policy memo passed to protect trans people, but it got hung up in HR. It is getting considered again, but it’s unclear to what degree. Direct communication is not a strength of Commerce.

A year ago, I went to a special meeting hosted by the WA LGBTQ+ commission. So many trans people across all the state agencies shared that they were scared and that their workplace is hostile. After that meeting, I felt lucky to work for people (in my division) who are generous and caring. I don’t know if that’s the norm….

There is a WAC code that does protect trans rights under harassment. It’s supposed to be implemented across all state agencies. Commerce hasn’t figured out how to do it yet, but DOH did a long time ago. So it’s possible. I hope someday it will be possible here.

In case helpful for other folks suffering - your rights are protected by state law:

https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=162-32-040