One Year of Newcastle.LGBT: A Chronicle of Courage, Community, and Change

Newcastle, WA – June 4, 2025, marks the first anniversary of Newcastle.LGBT, a platform born out of a pivotal moment in our city's history. On this day in 2024, the Newcastle City Council voted 4-3 against raising the Pride flag at City Hall during Pride Month, a decision that ignited both controversy and a renewed commitment to LGBTQIA2S+ visibility and rights in our community.

A Catalyst for Change

The council's decision, particularly Mayor Robert Clark's comparison of the Pride flag to symbols like those of Hamas and Antifa, was met with widespread criticism. Councilmember Paul Charbonneau, who proposed the motion, emphasized the importance of recognizing and valuing the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Councilmembers Sun Burford and Ariana Sherlock also voted in favor, highlighting the flag's significance as a symbol of inclusion and safety.

In response to the council's decision, Newcastle.LGBT was established as a digital platform dedicated to amplifying LGBTQIA2S+ voices, documenting local government actions, and fostering community engagement.

A Year of Advocacy and Engagement

Over the past year, Newcastle.LGBT has been a vital platform for documenting and amplifying the experiences of the LGBTQIA2S+ community in Newcastle. Here are some of the key stories that shaped our first year:

• Pride Flag Debate: Chronicled the heated debate over raising the Pride flag at City Hall, a controversy that exposed deep divisions but ultimately led to a reversal by the City Council after extensive public advocacy.
• Transgender Day of Visibility: Honored and uplifted transgender and non-binary voices on International Transgender Day of Visibility, highlighting resilience and contributions.
• Mayor’s Climate and Equity Rollbacks: Exposed Newcastle Mayor Robert Clark’s efforts to dismantle climate and equity policies in the city’s Comprehensive Plan, highlighting the impact on marginalized communities.
• Proposed Ban on Gender-Affirming Care: Reported on House Bill 1038, a proposed ban on gender-affirming medical care for minors in Washington State, underscoring threats to LGBTQIA2S+ rights statewide.
• Election 2024: Analyzed the outcomes of the 2024 election, including federal, state, and local races with implications for LGBTQIA2S+ representation and policy.
• Councilmember Tallman’s Resignation: Covered the abrupt resignation of Councilmember Steve Tallman amid ethics disputes, shedding light on leadership tensions within the City Council.
• Inclusivity and Ethical Governance: Provided in-depth analysis of council debates over inclusivity, representation, and ethical leadership, particularly around the proposal to recognize Hindu heritage and LGBTQ+ rights.
• Mayor’s Remarks on Reparations and LGBTQ+ Rights: Documented Mayor Clark’s inflammatory comments on reparations and LGBTQ+ rights that sparked community outrage and reaffirmed the need for inclusive leadership.
• Community Pride Celebration: Celebrated Newcastle’s Pride event, which brought together residents, advocacy groups, and allies to stand in solidarity and celebrate the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Through these stories and more, Newcastle.LGBT has remained dedicated to informing, uplifting, and uniting our community—ensuring that all voices are heard and represented.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this milestone, Newcastle.LGBT remains committed to its mission of advocacy, education, and community building. The journey ahead involves continued vigilance, engagement, and collaboration to ensure that Newcastle is a place where all residents feel seen, heard, and valued.

Join Us

We invite you to:

• Stay Informed: Visit newcastle.lgbt for the latest news and updates.
• Get Involved: Participate in community events and discussions.

Together, we continue to build a more inclusive and compassionate Newcastle.