As we honor the strength, joy, and resilience of our LGBTQ+ communities this Pride Month, we must also confront the deep and ongoing harms caused by the legal system. LGBTQ+ individuals—especially queer and trans youth, people of color, and those living in poverty—are disproportionately policed, incarcerated, and sentenced.
We invite you to read this powerful briefing from the Prison Policy Initiative, which highlights the stark realities and systemic forces that drive the over-incarceration of our LGBTQ+ communities. Understanding these truths is essential to building a more just and inclusive future.
Upcoming Game Changer Meetings
Our Game Changer meetings bring together community voices, guest speakers, and critical resources to uplift and empower our justice-impacted community and their families. Join us every Monday at 6:30pm for connection, empowerment, and mutual support.
- June 2nd: Regular Game Changer Meeting
Come connect with others, share updates, and build community power. - June 9th: Minna Long, WA Building & Construction Trades Council
Learn about union-led training programs for various trades and the public policies affecting community with criminal records. - June 16th: Statewide Family Council
Find out how the passage of HB 1468 is redirecting funds from the Incarcerated Individual Betterment Fund—and how it impacts incarcerated community members and their loved ones. - June 23rd: Michael Florez, Hunger Rescue Food Initiative
Hear how this grassroots effort is fighting hunger and supporting those experiencing food insecurity in the Puget Sound region. - June 30th: Washington State University
Discover resources for better nutrition, including SNAP Market Match, fruit and vegetable incentive programs, and free summer meals for kids.
Blake Community Resource Day
Join us for the Blake Community Resource Day on Thursday, June 5th, from 9am-4pm at The Evergreen State College, Tacoma Campus—hosted by our community partner Living with Conviction. This in-person event is a great opportunity to connect with community and legal allies to learn about your post-conviction rights and how to exercise them. By registering, your Pierce County convictions will be checked for eligibility to be cleared, (i.e., “vacated”) under State v. Blake. If you have eligible convictions, you also may be able to get refunds of LFOs and other expenses you had on those cases.
If you have a drug possession conviction(s) in any other part of Washington State, sign up to attend the Blake Pop-Up & Justice Fair in Tukwila on June 21.
What is Blake?
In 2021, the Washington State Supreme Court decided that the state’s simple drug possession law was unconstitutional and void. As a result of this decision, known as State v. Blake, everyone with Blake-eligible convictions can have them cleared from your record (“vacated”), and legal financial obligations (LFOs) and related expenses you paid as a result may be refunded to you.