Happy Pride month! Seattle Parks and Recreation works to create an inclusive environment welcoming to the LGBTQ community. Check out some of the LGBTQ events happening at our pools, parks and community centers this month and throughout summer:
Laps 4 Pride
Throughout June, our Aquatics Unit is hosting a Laps 4 Pride initiative at all of our pools, both indoor and outdoor. Each pool will report weekly how many laps were swam during the month of June to commemorate the department’s support of diversity and inclusiveness. Learn more here.
All-Gender Swims
- Dive into the All Gender Public Swim at Medgar Evers Pool on June 16 from 3-5 p.m.! Entrance is $2 (reduced fee available by request). Locker rooms will be gender neutral with 2 private changing rooms. Questions? Contact Courtney Witcher at 206-684-4766. Click here for details.
- Medgar Evers Pool is kicking off the 2018 Seattle Pride weekend with a Teen Pride Public Swim on June 22 from 2:30-4 pm! LGBTQ teens are invited to bring their friends, swim, and enjoy a live DJ. Two all gender locker rooms will be open. Click here for details.
LGBTQ Seniors
Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Rainbow Recreation offers programs for LGBTQ adults age 50+. Programs include fitness activities such as gentle yoga and Tai Chi Chih, as well as field trips to the Washington State Fair, Deception Pass and more! Summer programs run July 10 through September 21. Click here for details.
TUFFEST: Visual art and music festival
Join us on Saturday, July 14 from noon to 10 p.m. at Judkins Park for TUFFEST. This annual festival presented by TUF is a celebration of visual art and music with the addition of educational workshops. The event centers marginalized communities, including people of color, women and trans and gender non-conforming folks. Info: tuf-seattle.com.
LGBTQ and Allies Volleyball at Miller Community Center
Join us at Miller Community Center for free drop-in LGBTQ and Allies adult volleyball every Friday from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Call the Center for details: 206-684-4753.
History of Waacking, LGBTQ Community Dance Class at Yesler Community Center
Waacking was born out of a dance called Punking in the 70s during the height of the disco era. Punking stemmed from the black and Latino gay underground clubs in LA, a safe place for their community to express themselves and dance without fear of persecution. WAACKING is a form of dance to respond to the bullying that was happening in the LGBTQ Community. It is a non-violent form of dance that brings people together, is fun for all, and all are welcome. Ages 14 and Older. Questions? Call Yesler Community Center at 206-386-1245.
Drop-in: $10
Seattle Pride Parade
Each year, Seattle Parks and Recreation sponsors a float in Seattle’s Pride Parade. Staff, family and friends are invited to walk along with the float down the parade route. Stop by the Seattle Parks and Recreation float and say “hello!” to our staff during this year’s pride event on Sunday, June 24.