Federal Way hosted its annual pride flag raising on June 1.

“What pride is about is coming together as a community, embracing each other, love and acceptance,” Mayor Jim Ferrell said. “It’s my honor to make sure we have this special event.”

He also praised community member and city diversity commission member Allison Fine for pushing the city to visibly celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

“Does this outfit make me look gay?” Fine asked with a laugh, decked out in rainbows and a shirt that read “Love is Love.”

Allison Fine speaks during the pride flag raising at Federal Way City Hall on June 1. Alex Bruell / The Mirror

The city held its first pride proclamation in 2019. Fine pushed the city at the time to raise a pride flag — which the city agreed to, despite a contentious city council meeting, Fine said.

She recalled Ferrell telling her: “We’re going to fly that flag.” And the city did, starting in 2020.

Pride celebrations began roughly 50 years ago as an act of resistance, Fine told the crowd — originating with the Stonewall riots in New York City, which occurred as an act of resistance after a police raid at the Stonewall Inn.

“A bunch of drag queens, in probably six inch heels, jumped out and said, ‘We’re not going to do this anymore,’ ” she said. “And in our city, in our country, we are no different. … There are people trying to take away rights from queer people, from Black people … but we will continue to stand here as an act of resistance.”

Drag queen Nemesis gets a kiss from a dog at the Federal Way pride flag raising. Alex Bruell / The Mirror

Auburn resident and drag queen Nemesis spoke to the progress society has made in accepting the LGBTQ+ community — as well as the work that still remains.

“As a young gay child, I would never imagine being out here today speaking with each and every one of you,” Nemesis said.

She also gave a shout out to transgender women of color — “the reason for the season,” Nemesis said.

“If you see trans women of color, if you see a drag queen, make sure you got their back,” she said. “Make you’re watching them, and just make sure you’re having a good, safe pride season.”

Several city councilmembers and state legislators attended the event as well.

“Sadly, we know our community is under attack,” Federal Way State Sen. Claire Wilson (D) said, “especially our trans family members, as well as our youth. It’s incredibly important to … to make sure our community protects and is welcoming to all, (and) that our state continues to … also be a safe space. … Please, please, please continue to be who you are, your true selves. … Do it for those who can’t do it. Do it for those who fought before us.”

State Rep. Kristine Reeves (D) gave special thanks to parents for loving their kids for who they are.

“Thank you for being here, showing your support and leading the way in our community,” she said.

In a follow-up interview, Fine, who started the community group Federal Way PRIDE, spoke to the value of hosting public celebrations of LGBTQ+ pride in cities like Federal Way.

“You shouldn’t have to go to Tacoma or Seattle to see representation,” she said.

Factors like gentrification affect the queer community, Fine said, pushing many into more affordable communities outside of city centers like Seattle. But those suburban communities don’t necessarily offer the same representation or sense of safety.

“I’ve been in Federal Way for almost ten years,” she said. “Trans people would often say, ‘I don’t even go out in Federal Way. Some of them don’t drive and have to take the bus, (and they) have concerns about begin the only queer person on the bus. … When I realized these folks … have to go back to bigger cities just to be able to participate in events with their own communities, that was one of the reasons I said ‘Let’s start Federal Way PRIDE.”

You can find more information about the organization at facebook.com/FWPRIDE.