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Peer Seattle Newsletters
Spring Newsletter
June 2nd, 2025
Welcome to the spring edition of the Peer Seattle newsletter! Here, you'll find photos, valuable information about new peer groups, special events, and training opportunities for our members.
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We have had significant successes with events over the past few months: our annual LGBTQ+ Trade Fair, Get Housed/Stay Housed, and Trans Lives in 2025 (which we’ll cover in more detail below). Our new intern, Allie O., joined our team in April, just as our previous intern, Tom, was invited to join the staff as an Employment Specialist. With Pride Month upon us, we reached out to several volunteers to ask for reflections on the queer experience – please enjoy some of the highlights at the end of this newsletter. As always, check peerseattle.org/calendar for updates on upcoming events and new groups. We have seen firsthand that the last couple of months have been trying for our community, and want to let our members know that this remains a safe and accepting – and loving – space for them, regardless of how things feel in the broader world.
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Best regards,
Rosa and Jack
Rosalita Hillary
Program Manager
Highlighted Events
Trans Lives in 2025:
The sudden and extreme shifts in government policy around the trans community have created fear and uncertainty across the Peer Seattle community. But let’s be real—many of these conversations involve complicated legal and political processes, and most of us don’t exactly remember How a Bill Becomes a Law let alone anything from AP Government. In response, Peer Seattle’s Family Navigator, Aary, organized an info session called Trans Lives in 2025.
The event featured two attorneys and a doctor who helped ground our trans members and their loved ones in the facts, breaking down the real impacts of current policies in a clear, accessible way. When the event kicked off, all but two chairs were filled with a diverse crowd of queer folks and allies, ready to listen, learn, and connect. The speakers were honest about the risks but also made space for hope. Throughout the session, the audience was deeply engaged, asking questions, sharing reactions, and holding space for one another.
There were moments of laughter, a few tears, and most importantly, a strong feeling of safety and community in the room. Stay tuned for more events focused on supporting our trans community as we continue to navigate this new reality—together.
Highlighted Groups
The Help for Helpers Support Group meets on Tuesdays from 6-7 pm. The group has been crafted for those who work in non-profit, healthcare, social work, and other services that benefit our community. We meet to take space for ourselves and navigate the complexity of our roles. We welcome Peer Support volunteers and staff looking for support in serving the public.
Grief and Loss—A Bereavement Group is held on Wednesdays from 5 pm to 6 pm (with a cutoff at 5:05 pm). It is a peer support group for those processing the death of a loved one, whether recent or in years past. This group is a space for open processing of any feelings or experiences related to bereavement, ranging from fond reminiscences to navigating more challenging emotions.
Have questions about joining or starting a group?
(206) 747-5458
Volunteers
Volunteer Questionnaire
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We talked to some of our volunteers about what it means to have queer community and the importance of being proud of our queer identities.
What has been a valuable part of your experience at Peer Seattle as an LGBTQ+ person?
Steve, cis gay man (he/him): It's a relief not to have to explain myself. At Peer, I don't have to justify my queerness, my recovery, my neurodivergence—or even talk about them unless I want to. That kind of freedom is rare and powerful. I get to show up just as I am, and that
Lydia, pansexual trans woman (she/her): The Community. Dangerous things happen to me sometimes, and it's impossible to ever feel completely safe, but when I'm at Peer, I feel safest, as though if something were to happen to me, there would be people there for me either actively or after. Also, as a young trans woman, I often come to Peer for access to the guidance, wisdom, and insights of elder trans folks and elder queers. We all have to be there for each other in these times.
With pride month approaching, can you share how you feel about being proud of your identity and showing up authentically?
Steve, cis gay man (he/him): Pride has changed a lot for me over the years. I've been doing Pride since 1985—first in San Francisco, then DC and NYC, and now Seattle. These days, being proud feels more important than ever. Pride can't be just a party anymore. It's a way for me and us to stay visible, to stay connected, and to stand up for those who are most vulnerable—especially our trans, immigrant, and questioning siblings. Pride is how I show up for my people.
Jade, trans femme poly queer (she/her): This is the number one thing for me in my personal recovery. I have to be who I am. I spent much of my youth in denial, and it fucked me up more than I'll probably ever know. I did bad things and hurt people. In order to move on from that, I HAVE to be true to myself. I will never shy away from being myself again.
Anything else you'd like to add about being LGBTQ+?
Lydia, pansexual trans woman (she/her): My message is to join me on the picket line, in the lobby, or at the rally. Never be dissuaded from fighting for love, to protect those who need help protecting themselves. In me, you have a supporter, a friend, a comrade, a mother, a love, a daughter, and a sister. Stay safe, stay fierce.
What would you say to someone who's still in the closet and scared to come out?
Michelle, queer (she/her): For those who struggle with "coming out," I would say that despite it being hard, there is a community that will embrace you, be a role model for you, and treat you with respect. Your resilience and courage will carry you. Just embrace yourself with your inner strength. We will welcome you. In the words of Ru Paul, "We will love you until you can love yourself."
We Need You!
Make a Difference and volunteer today! Our community thrives because of people like you. Join our team as a volunteer and be a part of something meaningful. Whether you have a little time or a lot, your efforts will create a lasting impact.
Winter Newsletter
Feb 25th, 2025
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Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Peer Seattle newsletter!
Here, you'll find photos, valuable information about new peer groups, special events, and training opportunities for our members.
Future editions will feature updates to programming, spotlights on outstanding volunteers, and highlights regarding our community partnerships. Our goal is to keep you informed about every opportunity that is available to you. Stay connected and engaged with Peer Seattle!
Highlighted Events
Queer Movie Night - Hedwig and the Angry Inch:
Peer Seattle celebrates Anti-Valentines Day (February 12th) by watching this queer cult classic. Hedwig is about a gender-queer punk-rock singer from East Berlin who tours the U.S. with her band as she tells her life story and follows her former lover/bandmate who stole her songs.
Don't miss out on our next Queer Movie Night!
Renegade Fund Workshop Spotlight:
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Looking to turn your business ideas into reality? The Renegade Fund is offering an exciting opportunity for prospective trans and nonbinary entrepreneurs through The Entrepreneurship Workshop. Kicking off on Sunday, January 26th at 6 PM, this 8-week program will provide intensive mentorship, resources, and the chance to pitch your business plan to a shark tank of actual potential investors. Each week, participants will dive into crucial aspects of business development, from structuring and marketing your business to crafting a compelling pitch. Ren Casey, CEO of the Renegade Fund and a trans entrepreneur, will lead the workshop! You’ll also receive expert guidance from guest lecturers and mentors throughout the course. By the end of the workshop on March 16th, you’ll have a fully developed business plan, pitch deck, and the tools you need to start your entrepreneurial journey. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to build your future as a trans/nonbinary business leader!
Workshop Details:
First Session: Sunday, January 26th 6 PM - 8 PM
Weekly Sessions: Every Sunday through February
Final Session: Sunday, March 16th 6 PM - 8 PM
For more information, visit Renegade Fund’s Website (https://www.renegadefund.org) or contact Ren Casey at rcasey@renegadefund.org.
Highlighted Groups
The Northwest Trans Masculine Support Group meets on Sundays from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. It is a support group for trans men, non-binary folks, and anyone who identifies with the masculine side of things. Topics include toxic vs positive masculinity, self-acceptance, and community building.
Tails of Resilience is held on Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m. It is a support group for people with chronically or terminally ill pets and those recently lost. Come for space to vent, grieve, and get support from people who are struggling like you.
Help for Helpers is on Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This is a support group for caregivers in their many forms. It is open to anyone that provides support and care as a huge aspect of their life. This includes social workers, nurses, peers, and many others. This group is a space to take time in your week to focus on yourself, connect with what you need, and find balance in the important work you do.
Have questions about joining or starting a group?
(206) 747-5458
Volunteer
Introducing our intern, Thomas Mahoney! Thomas first came to Peer Seattle in October of 2024 when he went to the support group "Back to Life." As soon as he walked through the doors, Thomas felt an overwhelming sense of comfort that deeply moved him. Once he started coming to Peer Seattle, he immediately knew he wanted to get more involved and joined the volunteer team. Soon after, he found an opportunity to intern at a social services organization and enthusiastically chose Peer Seattle.
Being a part of Peer Seattle has given Thomas a space to feel truly at home. During his time in federal prison, Thomas endured constant judgment about his sexuality, so being in this space has had a positive impact on his life. Thomas has found that learning more about peer support has opened his eyes to how valuable his own lived experience is. He had never considered that his experiences with Bipolar 1 and substance use could be used to create a meaningful career.
He is currently enrolled full-time at Seattle Central, where he is studying Social and Human Services, and has a goal of becoming a licensed social worker in the future, where he can utilize his own experience to connect and support others. Peer counseling has inspired Thomas, and he is passionate about making this work his career. Thomas has fit right into our Peer Seattle family, and we are all happy that he has joined our team. He has been focusing on outreach and resource connections for those incarcerated or who have recently been released.
We Need You!
Make a Difference and volunteer today! Our community thrives because of people like you. Join our team as a volunteer and be a part of something meaningful. Whether you have a little time or a lot, your efforts will create a lasting impact.