Announcement

SPD Officer Dorian Korieo on far left appearing to violate
Seattle Pride Parade's uniformed officer ban.

 Capitol Hill Pride requests the removal
of Seattle LGBTQ Liaison Officer Dorian Korieo

Capitol Hill Pride believes Dorian Korieo in his position as Seattle LGBTQ Liaison should be removed for failure to follow safety policy, violating Pride event bans of uniformed officers, misconduct and failure to perform duties as a liaison.

By not respecting the uniformed officer ban by Pride organizations, openly defying requests in which organizers hope to create a safe space and non-conflict areas for attendees, by refusing to mediate a meeting with these officers and excusing their misconduct on duty by stating “officers shop all the time”, failure to respond to Capitol Hill Pride’s request for SPD contact and traffic safety escort in 2022 and 2023 this year, we feel these actions affect the safety of these public events and undermines the Constitutional right to demonstrate.

Capitol Hill Pride was incredibly disappointed to hear by his own admittance that SPD LGBTQ Liaison Dorian Korieo was the very officer who defied the uniformed police ban at the Seattle Pride Parade in 2022 resulting in an OPA and continues to excuse the actions of five other uniformed officers who defied and verbally challenged the Capitol Hill Pride ban of uniformed officers in 2022 on the same OPA.

Capitol Hill Pride invites these five SPD officers to responsibly identify themselves.

Capitol Hill Pride feels that Dorian Korieo is not fit to be a community Liaison, we have no confidence in his efforts and feel he should be removed from this position. We encourage SPD and the City of Seattle to appoint another Liaison, an officer who can respect community and develop other avenues of community outreach to improve public confidence.

Capitol Hill Pride believes the definition of a Liaison is to advocate for both parties and to work together and communicate to increase civil and human rights and safety.

Four SPD officers violating Capitol Hill Pride's ban of uniformed police officers within
event space in 2022 claiming they were "just shopping".
Capitol Hill Pride invites these officers to responsibly identify themselves.

OPA

We would like to acknowledge that we are on the land of the Sdoh-doh-hohbsh people who have stewarded this land for generations and the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe. We are honored and humbled to be afforded the opportunity to serve our community in this space.

Click HERE

2023 Schedule!

10am Opening, Land Acknowledgment, Charlette LeFevre, Philip Lipson – Stonewall, Tributes: James Widener Ray. Liv Morgan aka Asukaa Jaxx Intersex Representative.:
10:30 Speakers: City Council Candidates: Shobhit Agarwal, Ry Armstrong, Jean Craciun, Alex Hudson, Nilu Jenks, Cathy Moore, Liv Morgan, Rob Saka.
12pm Capitol Hill Pride Stonewall March Broadway to Pike to Starbucks Roastery to support Starbucks Workers.
12:45pm Sen. Jamie Pedersen
1pm Capitol Hill Pride Doggie Drag Costume Contest
2pm Capitol Hill Pride Catwalk Competition – How fierce are you with your fashion?
3pm Banned Books presentation by Philip Lipson
4pm Epiphany of Time
5pm Pride Day Cabaret hosted by Ry Armstrong, Candidate for Seattle City Council, featuring guest Cassi Q. Kohl.
Ry Armstrong will sing musical theatre and pop songs with accompanist Elisa Money.
7pm Lexy Stray, Guitarist
10pm Closing and Thank you!

12:45pm - Sen. Jamie Pedersen - Representing the 43rd district in the Washington legislature for the last 16 years he has worked with LGBTQ+ legislators to make Washington one of the best places in the country for LGBTQ+ people to live, work, and raise a family. Jamie was elected to the House of Representatives in 2006. In 2012 he openly supported Referendum 75 which legalized same sex marriage in the State of Washington. In 2021, he was elected Majority Floor Leader.

Seattle based pianist, singer, song writer, Thelxie Eaves, immerses you in a genuine, organic, and heart-felt universe with the music of E.O.T.
‍
Under her guidance, E.O.T. gathers musicians from a diverse set of backgrounds to spread messages of love and positivity.
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Friends, family, and talent lead EOT's performances to be a unique harmony of dancing, singing and joyous expression that will empower and stir your soul.

Epihany will be playing their original songs Snubs, Wheels Turning, Master Patch in the Green Forest, and classics like Moon dance, Stray Cat Strut, and Blue Suede Shoes.

Ry Armstrong will sing musical theatre and pop songs.

Lexy after high school eventually joined the Army joining two bands and stints in El Paso Texas, played metal from everything from Black Sabbath to Guns and Roses, Metallica, etc.
Lexy later joined a band called Dark Horse, moving to Seattle in ‘98 and played in a Band called Nothing Left Sacred.
Following her passion, Lexy learned guitar and piano and today can be seen regularly in Seattle and Capitol Hill busking and sharing her incredible talent.

More info at Lexy Stray.

https://www.instagram.com/lexystray/

Shobhit Agarwal – City Council District 3 Candidate
www.voteforshobhit.com

I am a first-generation gay immigrant from India. From working as a program manager for Microsoft to pursuing the dream as an actor to working retail. I have been an elected member of my condo HoA board for the past five years and have worked as the treasurer. I was also on the board for Trikone NW, a South Asian LGBT group.

These roles enabled me to listen to my constituents, be empathetic to their problems and focus on getting results.

Ry Armstrong – City Council District 3 Candidate

www.ry4seattle.com

“As your candidate for the open seat vacated by retiring Councilmember Sawant, I’m running for Seattle City Council because I believe in an agenda focused on establishing more affordable housing and shelter for those who are displaced, sustainable development of our city systems to protect the environment, and ensuring the safety of all our residents.

In particular, I’m in favor of working to establish our region as a “right to shelter” city, helping our community become the first major city in America to be completely carbon-neutral, and establishing further mitigation and accountability within public safety to protect victims of serious crime, in particular those in the BIPOC, AAPI and Queer communities.

If successful, I'd be the first openly Queer candidate to represent District 3 and first gender non-confirming human on the Council. Having served as Executive Director of a small LGBTQ-focused nonprofit during the pandemic, I have a background in governance serving on boards in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. When coupled with a Masters of Arts in International Relations, I believe I can bring some follow-through to the City of Seattle.

As a democratic socialist and progressive pragmatist, I would be honored to earn your vote and support throughout our campaign for action-based solutions.”

Jean Iannelli Craciun – City Council District 1 Candidate

I’m running for Seattle City Council to represent District 1 (West Seattle, SouthPark, Highland Park, Georgetown, SoDo, Delridge, Pioneer Square) because I care deeply about our communities and bring a unique perspective as a researcher, mother, small business owner, proud member of the LGBTQIA2s+ community and diversity proponent with a lifelong commitment to community engagement.

www.jeanforseattlecitycouncil.com

Alex Hudson – City Council District 3 Candidate

www.AlexForSeattle.com

Alex was born in Redmond and raised on a small family farm in unincorporated east King County. A cancer survivor, she lives with her partner and is the legal guardian of an 8th grader in the public school system.

Alex’s family are renters and live happily car-free. A first-generation college graduate, she worked her way through school at Western Washington University, where she founded the ACLU-WA student club, was the Director of the Associated Students Drug Information Center, and was named the ‘2008 Associated Student Employee of the Year’ and the ‘2008 ACLU-WA Youth Activist of the Year’.

Nilu Jenks - City Council District 5 Candidate 

https://www.neighborsfornilu.org/ 

Hi, I’m Nilu! I’m running for Seattle City Council in District 5 to address our housing crisis, to build on our transportation infrastructure, and to improve our neighborhood safety. Underlying all of this is our climate emergency. I am second-generation Iranian-American, the mother of two school-aged children, and a dedicated community advocate. I believe we need a City Council that works together to achieve results, and my district deserves someone who can represent our increasingly diverse community. District 5 needs the pedestrian infrastructure it has long been promised, and I am ready to fight for it. Along with sidewalks, we need biking, busing, and light rail infrastructure to make our city a place we can get around easily and rapidly. Our transportation infrastructure is important for a sustainable future just as addressing our housing crisis will be.

As a woman of color, I know that our BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities need protections, and I am and will continue to be a strong community advocate for them. Every time I have to answer my children’s questions about public drug use or why we let people live on the street, I know our society is failing and that we must do better. We need more homes for all people, especially affordable housing options. We also need to build more shelter for the unhoused and increase services to those living in vehicles. We need to work to prevent homelessness by supporting those on the verge of losing their homes and increasing resources for those experiencing domestic violence. We can make better policy choices that work for all of us. 

I’m proud to be endorsed by King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, State Senator Javier Valdez, State Representative Julia Reed, State Senator Yasmin Trudeau, the 46th and 32nd Legislative District Democrats, the King County Young Democrats, Women of Color in Politics, and United Food and Commercial Workers 3000.

Cathy Moore – City Council District 5 Candidate
https://cathymoore.net/

Rob Saka - City Council Candidate District 1

https://www.voterobsaka.com/

I’m a progressive urbanist with a proven record of finding common ground, solving problems, and delivering results. Alongside community, I’ve created lasting, positive changes in housing and transit, reforming enforcement and improving neighborhoods.
For five years, I led First Hill’s neighborhood association, where we welcomed affordable housing, built safer transportation, better parks, and increased livability. Until recently, I was the Executive Director of Transportation Choices Coalition, where I built coalitions that secured transformative transportation investments, expanded light rail and bus service, and made transit free for youth.
Our district has beautiful, vibrant places. We lead with compassion. But things are off track, and too many of us fall through the cracks. We must urgently address complicated problems like homelessness, public safety, and affordability.
With fresh ideas, courage, and a commitment to action, we can build more housing, care for our vulnerable neighbors, and keep everyone safe. We can be a great city. I understand District 3’s challenges - and how to make progress. On my website, I’ve released extensive policy agendas and am bringing bold solutions to the table.
I’m a First Hill renter, public school parent, and cancer survivor. I’m a first-generation college graduate who worked my way through WWU. I was named one of “Seattle’s Most Influential People” in 2015 by Seattle Magazine. I serve on the board of a major non-profit affordable housing provider and the Freeway Park Association. I’m proud to be endorsed by labor unions, progressive organizations, and community leaders.

We deserve a representative committed to listening, problem-solving, and making our lives better. My years of experience shows I can hit the ground running and get Seattle on track to reach our full potential together. It'd be an honor to serve our district, and I’m asking for your vote.

We stand proud in the fact we will never charge admission or ask for donations
based on anyone's skin color.

Dr. King once said he had a dream that we would live in a nation where a person should
not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
We are almost there.

• Physically protect yourself first. Defuse the situation if possible. Do not respond to taunts. Walk away, don't make yourself vulnterable.
• Call 9-1-1 immediately, Police need to know about hate crimes. State you are reporting malicious harassment RCW 9A.36.080 or SMC 12A.06.115 (see below).
• Note the physical descriptions of the perpetrators in as much detail as possible.
• Write down everything that was said and done, the time and location.
• When you report the incident to police, request case number for future reference.
• I you know the perpetrators, contact the court for information about obtaining a no-contact/anti-harassment order.
• If you see something, get involved. Be a witness if someone else is a victim.

Active Shooter Training
ABC - A-Avoid, B-Barricade, C-Combat.
Know beforehand your exits at any event or venue.

The Definition of Hate Crimes
Although the term, "Hate Crimes", is the most frequently used term throughout the U.S., the true definitions may differ depending on the jurisdiction and/or state you reside in.  In the State of Washington, the correct term is Malicious Harassment.

In Seattle, there are three bias-related categories that are documented on police reports Malicious Harassment, Crimes with a bias Element, and Bias Incident. 

Malicious Harassment encompasses verbal and/or written threats of assault, robbery, property damage, or actual assaults, property damage, robbery, etc., primarily directed at the victim because of the suspect's perception of the victim's race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, or any other factors listed by law which is the primary reason for the threats, assaults and/or property damage and a report should be made.  Call 911 immediately and advise the dispatcher of what happened, you believe it was bias or a hate crime what was said and done, any injuries you have, and a description and direction of travel of the suspect(s).  If safe to do so, remain at the scene until police arrive or notify the 911 operator of your new location.  State law: RCW 9A.36.080  or Seattle Municipal Code: SMC 12A.16.115

Crimes with Bias Elements occurs when the victim is threatened, assaulted, robbed, has their property damaged, etc., by a suspect when, during the commission of the crime, any comments are made directly and/or indirectly that relate to the suspect's perception of the victim's race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, etc. that appears to be a secondary motivation for the crime.  The victim should follow the same protocol in calling 911 and reporting the incident. 

Bias Incidents are non-criminal situations that do not fall within the above-listed categories, where a subject uses/directs offensive words at an individual and/or group during constitutionally protected free speech that the recipient(s) considers offensive AND does not accompany those words with direct threats and/or actions.   You do not need to know what category your incident belongs in to report a hate crime.
Call 911 if you are the victim of a crime.

Donate to your local community Pride!

Click HERE

PRESS RELEASE
8/21/2023

For immediate release

Capitol Hill Pride requests the immediate removal of Seattle LGBTQ Liaison Officer Dorian Korieo.

On June 5 of 2023 Capitol Hill Pride requested to the City of Seattle and SPD the removal of Officer Dorian Korieo from his position as LGBTQ Liaison within SPD for violations of safety, violating Pride event bans of uniformed officers, misconduct and failure to perform duties as a liaison. The City of Seattle and SPD to date have not responded to this request.

Capitol Hill Pride was incredibly disappointed to hear by his own admittance that SPD LGBTQ Liaison Dorian Korieo was the very officer who defied the uniformed police ban at the Seattle Pride Parade in 2022 resulting in an OPA and continues to excuse the actions of five other uniformed officers who defied and verbally challenged the Capitol Hill Pride ban of uniformed officers in 2022 on the same OPA.

Capitol Hill Pride feels that Dorian Korieo is not fit to be a community Liaison, we have no confidence in his efforts and feel he should be removed from this position. We encourage SPD and the City of Seattle to appoint another Liaison, an officer who can respect community and develop other avenues of community outreach to improve public confidence.

The LGBTQAI community and the public deserve better.

History
Capitol Hill Pride had filed a complaint against Officer Dorian Korieo OPA case number 2023OPA-0001 for failure to provide traffic control for the 2023 annual Capitol Hill Pride March as outlined in Seattle Municipal Code 11.25. and for failure to schedule traffic control for last year’s Capitol Hill Pride 2022 march. 
By not respecting the ban by Pride organizations, openly defying requests in whichorganizers hope to create a safe space and non-conflict areas for attendees, by refusing to mediate a meeting with these officers and excusing their misconducton duty by stating “officers shop all the time”, failure to respond to Capitol Hill Pride’s request for SPD contact and traffic safety escortin 2022 and 2023 this year, we feel these actions affect the safety of these public events and undermines the Constitutional right to demonstrate.Koreio’s lack of response and communication over the last three years along with defiant statements are examples of the lack of effort from SPD to protectthe public and establish trust with the community.

Aug. 16^th response from OPA states:
“OPA investigations staff have determined that no violation of SPD policy had occurred. According to SMC 11.25.110, a march is defined as a “a parade of 50 or more persons.” It was determined that the event in question did not meet this requirement, and thereby SPD was not required per policy to provide traffic control. “

We consider this response an excuse given SPD has given traffic control in prior years and consider this inexcusable and negligent placing ourselves, the marchers and the public at risk. Due to the heightened security of the LGBTQ community this year, the numerous cars on the road and the cars which passed the marchers by on the adjacent lane, we feel SPD deflected their responsibility in providing public safety. Especially in light of the death of Summer Taylor in the summer of 2020 due to a vehicle assault and what appears to be the failure of SPD to provide adequate traffic escort.

Seattle Municipal Code 11.25.110 requires police to provide traffic control even for sidewalk protests and this was not provided.

Capitol Hill Pride had requested numerous times a confirmation from Dorian Korieo and Capt. Jim Britt to conduct traffic control for the Capitol Hill Pride March & Rally on Sat. June 24 which was not provided.
SPD failed to show up to even verify the number of attendees, contact or conduct any traffic control in the street or sidewalk crossings in any manner for the march on June 24^th of this year.

In the preceding weeks, SPD has indicated they would not do traffic control if attendees are less than 50. Seattle Municipal code 11.25.119 only addresses requirements for a permit and we believe this part of the code has been conveniently misinterpreted.  

Seattle Municipal Code 11.25.030 also states  “No parade permit shall be denied, revoked or modified, and no parade permit restrictions shall be imposed, due in whole or in part, to the contents of statements or viewpoints expressed by the parade participants.”

Nowhere does the code address a city’s waiver or right to decline safe traffic control and does not absolve the responsibility of police to provide traffic control for an annual march contingent of any size especially when requested.

Capitol Hill Pride has had a march component since 2015 for its annual event with an estimated 500 in the march from Cal Anderson Park in 2021.

Capitol Hill Pride has never used sidewalks due to the historic nature of the march remembering Stonewall, banner size and anticipated attendees.

Capitol Hill Pride believes the definition of a Liaison is to advocate for both parties and to work together and communicate to increase civil and human rights and safety. Because of these violations Capitol Hill Pride feels Dorian Korieo cannot be considered a Liaison and hence is requesting his immediate removal from this position.

For more information contact:

Charlette LeFevre and Philip Lipson

She/Her, He/Him

Directors, Capitol Hill Pride

capitolhillpridefestival.info/

206-523-6348

END
PRESS RELEASE

SPD Officer Dorian Korieo on far left appearing to violate
Seattle Pride Parade's uniformed officer ban in 2022.

 Capitol Hill Pride requests the removal
of Seattle LGBTQ Liaison Officer Dorian Korieo

Capitol Hill Pride believes Dorian Korieo in his position as Seattle LGBTQ Liaison should be removed for failure to follow safety policy, violating Pride event bans of uniformed officers, misconductand failure to perform duties as a liaison.

By not respecting the uniformed officer ban by Pride organizations, openly defyingrequests in which organizers hope to create a safe space and non-conflict areas for attendees, by refusing to mediate a meeting with these officers andexcusing their misconduct on duty by stating “officers shop all the time”, failure to respond to Capitol Hill Pride’s request for SPDcontact and traffic safety escort in 2022 and 2023 this year, we feel these actions affect the safety of these public events and undermines theConstitutional right to demonstrate.

Capitol Hill Pride was incredibly disappointed to hear by his own admittance that SPDLGBTQ Liaison Dorian Korieo was the very officer who defied the uniformed police ban at the Seattle Pride Parade in 2022 resulting inan OPA and continues to excuse the actions of five other uniformed officers who defied and verbally challenged the Capitol Hill Pride ban ofuniformed officers in 2022 on the same OPA.

Capitol Hill Pride feels that Dorian Korieo is not fit to be a community Liaison, wehave no confidence in his efforts and feel he should be removed from this position. We encourage SPD and the City of Seattle to appoint another Liaison,an officer who can respect community and develop other avenues of community outreach to improve public confidence.

Capitol Hill Pride believes the definition of a Liaison is to advocate for both partiesand to work together and communicate to increase civil and human rights and safety.

PRESS RELEASE 6/6/2023

Capitol Hill Pride Continues Ban of Uniformed Police for 2023 March & Rally

Capitol Hill Pride is announcing its continuation of its ban of uniformed police at the upcoming Capitol Hill March & Rally 2023 to be held Pride weekend Sat. June 24, 2023 at Seattle Central College campus and will continue to request police to stay at the perimeters to protect public safety.

In particular for 2023, in the spirit of strengthening relations, Capitol Hill Pride is inviting and encouraging former, current and new recruit officers to attend Capitol Hill Pride off duty and out of uniform to help celebrate Pride with the community.

To the safety and courtesy of the LGBTQAI+ and diversity community as well as the public our responsibility is to present a safe event and is dedicated to creating an atmosphere free of fear or harm and a safe space for members of the community.  

In 2021 Capitol Hill Pride issued a police ban following New York and Denver’s Pride ban of uniformed police and stands with other social justice organizations to advocate police reform.

Capitol Hill Pride will be continuing to uplift diversity organizations, youth groups and artists while encouraging awareness and strengthening community.

Sincerely, with Pride,
Charlette LeFevre and Philip Lipson
She/Her, He/Him
Directors, Capitol Hill Pride
END
PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

6/18/2021

Capitol Hill Pride stands firm in its commitment to equality and will not support discrimination.

Capitol Hill Pride cannot and will not be pressured into supporting in any manner any Pride event that is charging admission based on the color of a person’s skin. 

Capitol Hill Pride has worked with many LGBTQAI organizations over the years and our policy is to be inclusive, supportive and not divisive.  

We consider any discriminatory admissions policy a violation of the Equality Act.
Racial equality and unity does not come about by racial division. We feel strongly that elected representatives take an oath to represent everyone and not just one segment of the community or political party.

We will never charge admission over the color of a person's skin.

Capitol Hill Pride continues to work with ground level organizations to promote equality and social justice with community and stand proud in those values and we should not be pressured, attacked or defamed for our commitment.

Charlette LeFevre and Philip Lipson

Directors, Capitol Hill Pride
Capitol Hill Community Council VP 2008
capitolhillfestival@gmail.com

END
PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE
5/21/2021
For immediate release

Capitol Hill Pride Bans Police from 2021 March & Rally and asks Chief to fire the Six SPD Officers who traveled to Washington DC.

Capitol Hill Pride is announcing a ban of police at the upcoming Capitol Hill March & Rally to be held Pride weekend Sat. & Sun. June 26-27, 2021 at Cal Anderson Park.

To the safety and courtesy of the LGBTQ and diversity community as well as the general public our responsibility is to present a safe event and is dedicated to creating an atmosphere free of fear or harm for members of the community.  As such, Capitol Hill Pride is announcing a ban of police at the event and will continue to request police to stay at the perimeters.

With the current Seattle lawsuits of police misconduct using blast balls and tear gas against peaceful protestors, the six names of the SPD who visited Washington DC Jan. 6^th still to be released and their extent of action in the Capitol Insurrection, along with ongoing concerns of white supremacy views within police departments, Capitol Hill Pride does not have confidence at this time in Seattle’s police ability to protect the public and to protect the public’s right to protest.

Capitol Hill Pride agrees with and applauds New York Pride’s ban of police presence until 2025 and stands with other social justice organizations to ban a police presence and advocate police reform.

In line with New York Pride, Capitol Hill Pride also believes the sense of safety that law enforcement is meant to provide can instead be threatening, and at times dangerous, to those in our community who are most often targeted with excessive force and/or without reason. We challenge Seattle Police to acknowledge their harmful actions, to correct their conduct, policies and improve their efforts moving forward.

As such, Capitol Hill Pride is also asking Interim Seattle Police Chief Adrian to fire the six officers who attended Washington DC during the time of the Capitol Insurrection Jan. 6^th as we feel city employees knowingly traveling in support of people who are attempting an insurrection or any disruption of a democratic process even if their participation was as a passive observer, should be an offense that merits termination.

Capitol Hill Pride for the event instead hopes to work closer with the fire department, have a medic unit on site and host a safe and welcoming event.

Capitol Hill Pride will be continuing to uplift diversity organizations, youth groups and artists this year for 2021.

Charlette LeFevre and Philip Lipson

Directors, Capitol Hill Pride