Recreation for LGBTQ+
Welcome to Seattle Parks and Recreation LGBTQ resource page!
As we ramp up our recovery from the pandemic in 2021, Seattle Parks and Recreation hopes to soon offer some of the services and activities of interest to the many diverse people who live, work and play in Seattle, including opportunities for the LGBTQ community. See the categories below for an idea of what's to come, either in late 2021 or sometime in 2022.
All Gender Swims
In past years Seattle Parks and Recreation Aquatics Programs has hosted All Gender Swims at Medgar Evers Pool. Admission is the usual recreation swim entrance fee for pools. All typically-gendered locker rooms are marked as gender neutral, with the two family/individual changing rooms that are always gender neutral available as well. Check back for updates of when All Gender Swims will resume in early 2022.
Teen Programs
Seattle Parks and Recreation is dedicated to providing safe and welcoming spaces for all teens, including LGBTQ teens. For general information on teen programming, visit the Seattle Parks Teens web page or the Seattle Parks Teen Jobs webpage. A great way to stay informed is to sign up for the Teen Programs email list which will send announcements of programs as they become available.
Youth Job Fair for LGBTQ and Allies
This annual event typically is held in March or April. Youth of all ages are welcome to attend and there are employment opportunities for high school-age youth (14-19) and young adults (19-24). Attendees should come prepared to spend some time visiting the various booths, which will have representatives from local private employers as well as City of Seattle youth-employment and stipend programs. Check back for updates of when the LGBTQ+ Youth Job Fair will resume.
Youth Employment Opportunities
Several City departments offer summer employment appropriate for teens and young adults, including positions in Seattle Parks and Recreation Aquatics (life guards, boat ramp monitors), Seattle Parks and Recreation Youth Engaged in Service (job shadowing an adult mentor, usually in an office setting), Seattle Parks and Recreation Student Teen Employment Program and Summer of Service (building trails in local parks as well as working on restoration and other projects), Youth Participatory Action Research (exploring social justice issues), and the Seattle Public Libraries Student Assistance program. Find out more on when these events will resume on the Seattle Parks Teen Jobs webpage.
For LGBTQ+ Older Adults
Find out about Lifelong Recreation programs for those 50+ by visiting www.seattle.gov/parks/find/lifelong-recreation-(50) or calling (206) 684-4951.
The Lifelong Recreation unit partnered with Generations Aging with Pride to develop "Rainbow Recreation" programs and activities specifically for LGBTQ+ adults over 50 and their friends. Quarterly activities have included movies, exercise classes, art classes, and field trips.
For more information contact Tamara Keefe at (206) 615-0100 or tamara.keefe@seattle.gov
Weddings and Ceremonies
Find out more about our many scenic and intimate indoor and outdoor venues by visiting the Weddings and Ceremonies web page or by calling (206) 684-4080 x 2.