Seattle City Council approves $300,000 to support Trans and Queer refugees (and also bans “junk” rental fees)

In an unanimous vote, Seattle City Council on Tuesday, Aug. 11 approved a budget amendment that will allocate $300,000 in city funding to local LGBTQIA+ organizations to address the influx of Trans and gender diverse refugees coming to the city. Additionally, the council voted 8-0-1 (with Councilmember Maritza Rivera disqualified from voting due to owning a rental property) to ban “junk” rental fees for tenants.

Public Comment and Council Discussion

The council chamber was filled to standing room only at the meeting’s start, with over 100 people both in-person and online providing public comment. The majority of speakers were progressive advocates, representatives, and community members urging support for both measures. Notable speakers included:

• Gender Justice League Executive Director Danni Askini
• Traction Executive Director Michael Woodward
• Friends of Denny Blaine Board President Simon Thornton
• Violet Kawaguchi of KOI
• KOI Treasurer and Seattle LGBTQ+ Center Board Member Joshua Freese
• Elle Cree, a Trans woman refugee from Arkansas and member of mutual aid group Stone Soup Crew
• Members of the Transit Riders Union and other organizations

Several speakers highlighted the connections between rental affordability and the struggles of Trans refugees, BIPOC, and other marginalized communities seeking housing in Seattle.

A handful of conservative figures, including Brandi Kruse and members of the King County Republican Party, opposed the funding. One public detransitioner, Ari (known as Apostate Ari online), accompanied by Kruse, made statements accusing Transgender women of invading women’s spaces.

Councilmember Remarks

Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, the budget amendment sponsor, affirmed to the city’s Trans and gender diverse communities that “you belong in Seattle, and you deserve dignity and respect.” She cited the rise of anti-trans legislation nationwide, noting that in 2025, 830 anti-trans bills were introduced and 62 passed across the country.

Other councilmembers expressed support for the Trans community:

• Councilmember Eddie Lin: “It is difficult when people are fleeing oppression and violence.”
• Councilmember Kettle: “Hopefully, Seattle can be that welcoming place where people can find peace and solace.”
• Council President Joy Hollingsworth: “It’s a small drop in the bucket, but it’s a start.”
• Councilmember Dionne Foster: “Trans people belong here. Period. That’s it.”

Councilmember Maritza Rivera, who initially opposed budget amendments as a procedural matter, ultimately voted in favor of the funding.

Outcome

After approving the funding measure, the council chamber erupted in loud applause from attendees. The Seattle Gay News (SGN), the third-oldest LGBTQIA+ newspaper in the U.S., highlighted the importance of continued community support to sustain its mission as an independent news source.