2SLGBTQIA+ Rapid Relief
About Rapid Relief Funding
Whether you were born here or recently arrived, you belong in this city. Every person deserves to live with dignity, feel safe, and know they have a place in our community.
On August 25, 2026, the City of Seattle announced $550,000 in rapid relief funding to support the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
This funding includes:
- $450,000 for local organizations that serve 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to address urgent needs and continue providing essential services
- $100,000 for a community resource event that will feature City and community service providers, modest relief materials, and support with enrollment processes
This investment responds to community needs and works toward building a city where everyone can feel safe, welcomed, and supported, especially during uncertain times.
Investing in Community-Led Solutions
2SLGBTQIA+ community members have clearly identified the need for immediate support to help people meet urgent needs in a time of uncertainty.
In response, the City is investing $450,000 in rapid relief funding for organizations that serve 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
The funding criteria and selection process is being developed with input from communities. More information about eligibility and how to apply will be shared once the process is finalized.
2SLGBTQIA Community Resource Event
On Saturday, November 7, 2026, the City of Seattle’s 2026 2SLGBTQIA Community Resource Event will be held at El Centro de la Raza, Centilia Cultural Center
Hosted by the Seattle Office for Civil Rights with community partners, City departments, and service providers, this free event connects new and long-standing 2SLGBTQIA+ community members with resources, information, and one another.
2026 2SLGBTQIA Community Resource Event
- Saturday, November 7, 2026
- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- El Centro de la Raza’s Centilia Cultural Center
- Register for the Event
Planning to attend? Complete our short pre-event survey to let us know about any accessibility or translation needs you may have. You can also sign up to receive updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
The event will offer resources focused on seven areas: food access, housing and shelter, healthcare, legal support, transportation, employment, and community and peer support. Some resources, like ORCA cards (for public transit), will be available on-site. Others, like benefit programs, will require an application that you can start at the Community Resource Event. We are in the process of finalizing the list of available resources available. To get updates, RSVP for the event or check back at seattle.gov/2SLGBTQIA-Rapid-Relief.
Some benefit programs will require documents like ID, proof of income, proof of residency, or other materials for enrollment. All requirements will be shared once we have confirmed all participating organizations. To get updates, RSVP for the event or check back on this page at seattle.gov/2SLGBTQIA-Rapid-Relief.
The Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) is organizing this event with the Mayor’s Office and the LGBTQ+ Commission. For questions, email SOCR at civilrights@seattle.gov.
El Centro de la Raza is across the street from the Beacon Hill Light Rail station and is near several bus routes. Limited parking is available, along with street parking. Please read all signage carefully as drivers are responsible for their cars.
Email SOCR at civilrights@seattle.org and share your contact information. Space is limited, so we will not be able to accommodate every request. If you cannot table, you are welcome to send materials for attendees. We hope to plan similar events in the future. We are grateful for everyone who wants to support this work and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
We take attendee safety and privacy very seriously. We are working with El Centro’s security team and exploring community-based options for culturally competent safety and security services that focus on de-escalation. It is important to keep in mind that because El Centro is in a central and accessible location, any member of the public may easily get there.
We recognize that data privacy is a top concern for community members. If you RSVP, you may choose to share your email address to receive event updates. We will delete these addresses from our files within one week of the event, but sent emails will remain in city records. If you are concerned about this, you can choose not to RSVP or use a temporary email address. You are not required to RSVP to attend the event or to receive updates, as those will be published on seattle.gov/2SLGBTQIA-Rapid-Relief.
Also, there will be City departments at the event to enroll participants in benefit programs. Signing up for these programs requires providing some personal information. The City will store that information securely in accordance with its data privacy policies.
Some of the materials being shared by the vendors will be in multiple languages but that will be vendor dependent. If you have any language access needs, please fill out the Event RSVP at least three weeks before the event and we will work to provide an Event Guide in the language if possible.
One option is to complete our event RSVP and share your email which we will use to provide additional details. If you would prefer not to share your email, we will also post updates on this page at seattle.gov/2SLGBTQIA-Rapid-Relief.
You can also find updates on this work by:
- Visiting our blog
- Signing up for our newsletter
- Following us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
Read previous updates on this work on our blog, Civil Rights Now:
If you have any accessibility needs, please make sure to fill out the Event RSVP and let us know at least three weeks in advance. We will do our best to meet all accessibility needs. Service animals are welcome at the event. The event location is wheelchair accessible, and we will also have a designated low-stimulation and low-noise space that can be utilized throughout the event. This is an all-ages event but we are not able to offer childcare during the event.
Stay Connected
Please check back on this page for updates on funding, event details, and resources. Questions? Email us the Seattle Office for Civil Rights at civilrights@seattle.gov. Find updates on this work by
- Visiting our blog
- Signing up for our newsletter
- Following us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
Glossary
- 2SLGBTQIA+ is an acronym that stands for Two‑Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and others. It is a broad term that includes many sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.
- Two-Spirit is a term used by some Indigenous people across the U.S. and Canada to describe someone whose spirit includes more than one gender. It is placed first in the acronym to honor Indigenous peoples and recognize how Indigenous people have cultural understandings of gender and sexuality long before modern LGBT terms.
- The “+” in 2SLGBTQIA+ shows that there are more identities included than the letters listed.